Italian Pasta Salad

There’s nothing quite like the burst of fresh flavors that comes with a vibrant Italian Pasta Salad. This delightful dish combines al dente rotini pasta with colorful veggies, luscious mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing, coming together in just 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a fantastic make-ahead meal.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick side dish or a hearty main. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a fresh meal, this pasta salad is your solution. For the best flavor, consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chewy rotini holds onto the Italian dressing perfectly.
• It’s adaptable with whatever fresh veggies you like.
• The colorful ingredients create a stunning presentation.
• A make-ahead option allows for easy, stress-free serving.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Italian Pasta Salad.

For the Salad

• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1 english cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, such as mozzarella pearls (or bocconcini)
• 4 oz salami, sliced
• 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 3/4 cup pepperoncini
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley and fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing

• Italian salad dressing

For the best flavor, use a quality dressing.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Substitute rotini with farfalle or penne.
• Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Swap salami for pepperoni or turkey slices.
• Replace kalamata olives with green olives.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your pasta salad.

Boil the pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, sprinkle in some salt, and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Combine the ingredients

Mix together the cooked pasta, chopped veggies, mozzarella, salami, pepperoncini, olives, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle everything with the Italian dressing.

Toss and season

Give the salad a good toss, and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.

Serve or marinate

You can either serve this immediately or marinate for a few hours before serving. To marinate, cover the pasta salad and place it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld for a few hours or overnight.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, pasta texture changes.
Reheat: Not necessary; serve cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Reserve some extra dressing to add before serving for optimal flavor.
• Adjust ingredient quantities based on your taste preferences.
• Make sure to slice ingredients uniformly for even mixing.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for added refreshment on hot days.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.
• Serve at a summer barbecue or potluck.
• Enjoy as a light lunch with crusty bread on the side.