If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both a feast for your eyes and your taste buds, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect blend of al dente rotini pasta, fresh crisp vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a casual picnic, a potluck, or a light dinner, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe delivers a mouthwatering experience that’s simple to make yet impressively satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. From the juicy cherry tomatoes to the punchy red onion and the rich Parmesan cheese, they combine to create a colorful and tasty mosaic in every bite.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The perfect spiral shape captures dressing and ingredients for every forkful.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds bursts of freshness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1 cup cucumber (diced): Offers a cool crunch that contrasts nicely with the other textures.
- 3/4 cup black olives (sliced): Brings a salty, briny depth that enhances savory notes.
- 3/4 cup mozzarella balls or cubes: Adds creamy richness that’s mild and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sharp bite with a bit of sweetness when marinated.
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni (diced): Introduces savory, meaty goodness that’s full of flavor.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a nutty, salty finish that ties flavors together.
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade): The essential tangy coating that seasons every ingredient perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a touch of green vibrancy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Finishing touches that enhance every flavor.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Begin by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente — tender but still with a firm bite. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This cool rinse stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together while making sure it’s ready to absorb that delicious Italian dressing.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, mozzarella cubes, thinly sliced red onion, diced salami, and grated Parmesan cheese. Each element contributes its unique flavor and texture, creating a lively and colorful salad base.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the Italian dressing generously over the combined ingredients. Gently toss everything until all the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with that tangy, herbaceous dressing that makes this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows all the vibrant flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is perfectly refreshing when served.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, aromatic touch and a burst of bright green color that makes the salad even more inviting.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is fantastic, but for extra color and flavor, consider adding some freshly grated Parmesan or even a few torn basil leaves. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can take the salad to a new level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or even alongside a light soup for a complete meal. It’s also a star on any barbecue or picnic table, complementing a variety of mains without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a colorful bowl that showcases its vibrant hues or portion it into individual mason jars for a fun picnic or party presentation. Layering the ingredients in clear containers lets the appetizing colors shine and makes for great grab-and-go servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for up to 2 days, though the pasta may absorb more dressing over time. Give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe because the fresh vegetables and mozzarella can become watery and lose texture upon thawing. Fresh is definitely best!
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. It’s perfect for refreshing lunches or as a chilled side anytime you crave a quick bite.
FAQs
Can I make this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami or pepperoni and feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to keep it hearty and delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is ideal because its twists hold onto dressing and bits of ingredients, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on your preference.
Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
Definitely! A homemade dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs can add a fresh, personalized touch that enhances the salad’s flavor beautifully.
How long should I chill the salad?
At least 30 minutes is best for allowing the flavors to meld together, but chilling it for a few hours or even overnight will only improve the taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish that can be prepared a day in advance. Just be sure to toss it well before serving and add extra dressing if needed to refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean—all bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying. It’s quick to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and endlessly versatile, making it a staple you’ll want to return to again and again. So gather your ingredients, invite a few friends over, and enjoy this delightful salad that brings a taste of Italy right to your table.
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Italian Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, salami or pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in tangy Italian dressing. Perfect as a light side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, mozzarella pieces, thinly sliced red onion, diced salami or pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Season: Pour 3/4 cup of Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and vegetables are well coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve cold and enjoy as a perfect side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or pepperoni.
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance; simply toss again before serving and add extra dressing if needed to refresh flavors.
