There is something incredibly joyful about a good Italian Pasta Salad Recipe, especially one that combines vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a perfect balance of textures all in one bowl. This recipe is a celebration of summer freshness with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and fresh herbs, intertwined with hearty rotini pasta and savory salami. The creamy mozzarella and grated parmesan add richness, while the zesty Italian dressing ties it all together into a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners. Once you try this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each item brings its own special touch, whether it’s a burst of juiciness, a savory punch, or that herbaceous lift that makes every bite vibrant and fresh.
- 16 oz dried rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds the dressing beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 10 oz hard salami, diced: Adds a smoky, savory depth that balances the fresh vegetables.
- 8 oz fresh small mozzarella balls: Provide a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- 2 oz parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a nutty, salty finish to the salad.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Offers juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup black olives, sliced: Introduce a briny richness that complements the other flavors.
- ½ cup red onion, diced: Adds a sharp, crisp bite for contrast.
- 2 cups bell pepper, diced: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a sweet crunch.
- ½ cup parsley, chopped: Provides freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
- ½ cup basil, chopped: Gives that classic Italian aroma and flavor signature.
- 1 cup Italian dressing: The zesty, tangy glue that binds all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain it well. Meanwhile, chop the salami into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives. Dice the red onion and bell peppers, mixing colors if you want a festive look. Finally, chop the fresh parsley and basil, and grate the parmesan if it isn’t pre-grated. Getting your ingredients prepped and ready will make assembling the salad a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and bell pepper. Add the mozzarella balls, sprinkle the grated parmesan, and fold in the chopped parsley and basil. This colorful combination is the heart of the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe, blending textures and flavors perfectly before dressing.
Step 3: Add Dressing and Mix
Pour the Italian dressing generously over the salad ingredients. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together until every component is beautifully coated. Don’t be shy to taste it at this stage—you can add a little more dressing if you want that extra tangy kick. This step is crucial for distributing flavors so each forkful is a medley of deliciousness.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe straight away, fresh and bright, or cover the bowl and refrigerate for an hour or more. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making the salad even more satisfying. Either way, this dish shines as a refreshing and comforting choice on any table.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly shredded parmesan or a few extra torn basil leaves on top can elevate your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe visually and flavor-wise. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze for that beautiful glossy finish that enhances presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The Italian Pasta Salad Recipe can also stand on its own as a hearty lunch or picnic main course, perfectly balanced and packed with variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or large lettuce leaves for a fun handheld option. Layer it in clear glass jars for an Instagram-worthy look or use small mason jars for individual portions, making it easy for guests to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The salad keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will soak up dressing flavors as it rests, making the salad even tastier but slightly softer in texture.
Freezing
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe does not freeze well because fresh vegetables and cheese tend to become watery or grainy once thawed. For the best experience, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Simply give it a good stir straight from the fridge and enjoy. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding dressing and bits of the salad, small shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully too. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Is this salad vegetarian?
The classic recipe includes salami, making it non-vegetarian, but you can easily omit the meat or substitute it with your favorite vegetarian sausage or chickpeas for a protein boost.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To go vegan, skip the mozzarella and parmesan, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you like. Also, check that your Italian dressing is vegan or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
What type of Italian dressing is best for this salad?
A good-quality bottled Italian dressing works fine, but homemade Italian dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of mustard will give you the freshest, most vibrant flavors.
Can I prepare this salad the day before?
Yes! Making this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe a day ahead allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a gentle toss before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stress enough how much joy this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe brings to any meal. It’s colorful, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying while being easy to throw together with pantry staples and fresh produce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a simple, delicious lunch, this salad will win you over every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta salad!
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Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring rotini pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, savory salami, mozzarella, parmesan, and aromatic herbs, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or side dish, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 16 oz dried rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 10 oz hard salami, diced
- 8 oz fresh small mozzarella balls
- 2 oz parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 2 cups bell pepper, diced (use a mix of colors if desired)
Herbs
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ cup basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse under cold water to cool and drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Dice the hard salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the red onion and bell peppers, and finely chop the parsley and basil. Grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the diced salami, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red onion, diced bell peppers, fresh mozzarella balls, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
- Add Dressing and Mix: Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over the combined ingredients. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning or add more dressing if desired.
- Chill or Serve: You can serve the pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling enhances the taste and texture for an even more delicious salad experience.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it ideal for gatherings and meal prep.
- Feel free to substitute hard salami with pepperoni or cooked chicken for variation.
- To keep the salad fresh, add delicate herbs like basil just before serving or tossing.
- For a lighter dressing option, use a low-fat Italian dressing or vinaigrette.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra vegetables or chickpeas.
