This Italian Pasta Salad is pure summer joy in a bowl, bursting with color, crunch, and those sunshiny Mediterranean flavors we all crave at potlucks and family gatherings. Imagine fragrant rotini tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, vibrant peppers, and briny olives, all crowned with creamy mozzarella and gently savory salami. Finished with a bright splash of Italian dressing and fresh parsley, you’ve got a dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply dreaming of a picnic, this is the Italian Pasta Salad you’ll want to make again and again.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Italian Pasta Salad brings something special to the table—texture, flavor, or a welcome pop of color. Gather your favorites, and let’s see how each one transforms this salad into a symphony of tastes!

12 ounces rotini pasta: Twisty pasta like rotini catches all the delicious dressing and add-ins with every bite.
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Their juicy burst brings sweetness and a gorgeous red accent.
1 cup cucumber (diced): Cool, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing—a must for summer salads.
1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped): Adds crunch and sweetness, plus a bright pop of color.
1/2 cup sliced black olives: These add a salty, briny edge that balances the other flavors.
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Delicate slivers give a gentle bite without overpowering.
3/4 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella: Creamy, mild cheese that ties all the flavors together.
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices (quartered): For that classic Italian deli vibe—totally optional for vegetarians.
1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade): Zesty and tangy, the dressing is what brings it all to life.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of herby freshness and vibrant flecks of green.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season—simple but essential for flavor balance.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your rotini. Cook according to the package directions until just al dente—you want the pasta to keep a bit of bite after chilling. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. This trick also cools the noodles, which helps keep your salad extra refreshing.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies and Toppings

While the pasta cooks, slice and dice your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, slice the olives, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using mozzarella pearls, you’re good to go—otherwise, dice your mozzarella into bite-sized chunks. For the salami or pepperoni, stack and quarter the slices for that classic deli flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Italian Pasta Salad

In a big salad bowl, combine your cooled pasta, all the prepared vegetables, mozzarella, and salami or pepperoni if using. This is the moment when all those colors and textures come together in a beautiful medley!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and give everything a hearty toss until every twist of pasta and every veggie gets coated. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top for a burst of brightness and herbal aroma.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For maximum flavor, let your Italian Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives all those wonderful ingredients a chance to mingle and meld. When it’s time to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish really takes Italian Pasta Salad over the top! You can sprinkle on extra parsley, add a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, or scatter a few more mozzarella pearls or sliced olives on top to make it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Italian Pasta Salad with warm garlic bread, a basket of focaccia, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. It also shines next to grilled chicken, burgers, or as part of any summer picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Italian Pasta Salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic treat, or scoop it onto crisp romaine leaves for a fresh, hand-held twist. For parties, pile it high on a platter and surround with extra toppings so everyone can customize their serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to get even better as they mingle, making this salad a perfect choice for meal prep!

Freezing

While pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch—just note that the texture of the veggies and cheese might change. For best results, freeze without the dressing and add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Italian Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it feels a bit dry after chilling, simply toss with a splash of extra dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually improves as it sits, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store in the fridge, then add an extra drizzle of dressing when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of rotini?

Any short pasta shape works—think penne, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just stick to pasta that has plenty of nooks and crannies to catch all the tasty bits and dressing.

How do I make Italian Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Just omit the salami or pepperoni for a perfectly satisfying vegetarian version. You can even double up on the mozzarella or add marinated artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Definitely! Homemade Italian dressing brings incredible freshness to this salad. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt for an easy, delicious alternative to store-bought.

How can I add more protein?

Toss in diced grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a handful of cannellini beans for a heartier twist. These additions transform your Italian Pasta Salad into a protein-packed main dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, you can’t go wrong with this Italian Pasta Salad. It’s endlessly adaptable, always flavorful, and guaranteed to bring people together. Grab your favorite pasta, toss in those fresh veggies, and savor every sunny, satisfying bite!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal. Packed with colorful veggies, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices, quartered

Dressing:

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and salami.
Add Dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad, toss well.
Season and Chill: Season with salt, pepper, parsley. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.