If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fresh veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing that ties everything together beautifully, it’s the perfect dish to bring sunshine to any table. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, potluck, or a simple weeknight meal, this salad is not only easy to toss together but also packed with textures and tastes that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are what make this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender rotini pasta that holds the dressing beautifully to the crisp cucumbers adding crunch and the savory pepperoni that brings a satisfying zing.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The spiral shape traps dressing and ingredients for every bite to be flavorful.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, they add vibrant color and freshness.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Provides a refreshing crunch to balance the richer ingredients.
- ¾ cup black olives, sliced: Brings a briny depth that complements the salad perfectly.
- ¾ cup mozzarella balls or cubes: Creamy and mild, they add a delightful softness.
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and zing to the salad.
- ½ cup pepperoni slices or salami (optional): Adds a savory, meaty punch if you want extra heartiness.
- â…“ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade): The flavor base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that lifts the salad.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses herbaceous warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential final touches to enhance flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and aroma.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This is important because you want the pasta to have a firm bite instead of getting mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This also helps the pasta from sticking together and makes it ready to absorb that delicious dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, prep your veggies and other components. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the black olives and red onion thinly, and cube or ball the mozzarella. If you’re adding pepperoni or salami, slice those too. Keeping these ingredients bite-sized helps create an even, delightful mix throughout the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together your Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple yet zesty combination infuses the salad with incredible flavor, so give it a good mix until everything combines well. If you prefer, homemade dressing with olive oil, garlic, and oregano is a perfect option here.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and pepperoni if using. Pour the dressing over the entire mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every bite is coated in the tangy, herbaceous dressing. This is where the magic starts to happen, blending all those distinct elements into a harmonious dish.
Step 5: Chill to Marry Flavors
For the best flavor experience, chill your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those delicious tastes to meld together, resulting in a salad that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the salad. These herbs not only add a burst of lovely color but also fresh aroma that elevates every bite. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a subtle shine and richness to the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or even a simple antipasto platter. It also shines as a centerpiece salad at summer barbecues because it complements smoky and grilled flavors so well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase the vivid layers of ingredients—a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. For a fun twist at gatherings, consider building individual pasta salad cups with a layer of greens at the bottom so guests can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Italian Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but to keep the mozzarella from becoming too soft, make sure the salad stays chilled and consume it within that timeframe.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, so freezing is not recommended. Ingredients like mozzarella balls and fresh vegetables can become watery or lose texture when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Because this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. If you prefer a warmer dish, try using the salad as a base and gently warm individual portions in a skillet, but typically it’s most delicious served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni or salami, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian pasta salad that’s equally satisfying and full of flavor.
What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Rotini is perfect because its spirals hold onto the dressing and ingredients well, but other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work wonderfully too.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, so making it a few hours ahead or even the day before is a great idea!
Is homemade dressing better than store-bought?
Both options work well. Homemade allows you to customize flavors and avoid preservatives, while good-quality store-bought Italian dressing keeps the prep quick and easy without sacrificing taste.
How can I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking prevents it from sticking and becoming mushy. Also, make sure to keep the salad refrigerated until serving and avoid adding too much dressing at once.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a wonderful go-to for moments when you want something easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious. With every bite packed with layers of flavor and textures, it’s sure to become a staple you’ll reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites to share with friends and family!
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. Featuring rotini pasta combined with fresh veggies, mozzarella, olives, and an Italian dressing, it can be customized with or without pepperoni for a vegetarian option. Chilled to blend flavors, it’s a vibrant and satisfying salad that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¾ cup black olives, sliced
- ¾ cup mozzarella balls or cubes
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pepperoni slices or salami (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls or cubes, thinly sliced red onion, and pepperoni slices if using. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
Notes
- This salad can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni or salami.
- To make your own Italian dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of sugar to taste.
