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| Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe |
Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy, Fresh & Delicious
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor and perfect for any season? This Italian Pasta Salad is your new go-to recipe! Packed with crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, tangy olives, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, it's light, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ, a quick lunch, or a make-ahead meal, this healthy pasta salad is always a hit. One bite, and you'll see why it’s a fan favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad
- It’s light, healthy, and packed with bold, fresh flavor.
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes.
- The homemade Italian dressing doubles as a delicious salad topper or marinade for chicken, shrimp, or steak.
- Ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a simple, flavorful side dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta – Rotini is used in this recipe, but any curly or corkscrew-shaped pasta like cavatappi or fusilli works great. These shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully. Farfalle or penne pasta are also excellent alternatives.
- Fresh Vegetables – Cherry or grape tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion provide vibrant flavor and crunch. You can also add extras like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or tender asparagus for more variety.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella pearls (also called Bocconcini) are ideal, but you can also use larger mozzarella balls or slices cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Salami – Spicy salami adds bold flavor, but feel free to use your preferred variety of salami or sausage to suit your taste.
- Pepperoncini (Optional) – These add a tangy, slightly spicy kick. For extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added instead.
- Olives – Sliced Kalamata olives bring a rich, briny element to the dish. Black or green olives are also great options depending on your preference.
- Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley and basil add brightness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Italian Dressing – This simple homemade dressing ties everything together. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated Parmesan, garlic, and classic Italian spices, it infuses each bite with irresistible flavor.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare the ultimate Italian Pasta Salad—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion:
1.Prep the Vegetables and Herbs
Start by slicing the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Roughly chop the salami, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. This step takes the most time, so turn on your favorite podcast or playlist to make it more enjoyable!
2.Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
3.Make the Homemade Italian Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
4.Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, salami, mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, olives, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with the homemade Italian dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5.Marinate for Maximum Flavor
You can serve the pasta salad immediately, but for the best flavor, cover and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This allows the ingredients to fully absorb the dressing. Before serving, toss again and add any reserved dressing to refresh the flavors.
Prepping and Storage Tips
To Store: One of the best things about this Italian Pasta Salad is its versatility—it’s delicious served warm or chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy, make-ahead meals. With its colorful veggies, savory meats, and tangy dressing, it’s always a hit!
Make it today and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite!
