If you are craving a refreshing, vibrant dish that bursts with bold flavors and delightful textures, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful medley of al dente rotini pasta, savory salami, fresh mozzarella, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or whenever you want a colorful, satisfying salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this dish brings together classic Italian elements in one irresistible bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe plays a key role in creating its memorable flavor and texture. From hearty pasta to fresh herbs, each component is simple but essential, making the dish both approachable and extraordinary.
- 16 oz dried rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds the dressing and bits of salad perfectly for every bite.
- 10 oz hard salami, diced: Adds a savory, slightly spicy protein that complements the freshness of the veggies.
- 8 oz fresh small mozzarella balls: Creamy and soft, they balance the salad with a luscious bite.
- 2 oz parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a sharp, nutty undertone that elevates the palate.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and sweet, they add a pop of color and freshness.
- ½ cup black olives, sliced: Briny and bold, olives bring a savory depth.
- ½ cup red onion, diced: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch for contrast.
- 2 cups bell pepper, diced: Choose a colorful mix for sweetness and vibrant appearance.
- ½ cup parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- ½ cup basil, chopped: Brings that unmistakable aromatic Italian flair.
- 1 cup Italian dressing: The zesty, herby dressing that ties everything together with a tangy punch.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors naturally.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Then rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent stickiness. While the pasta drains, dice the salami, halve the sweet cherry tomatoes, slice the briny black olives, dice the crisp red onion and colorful bell peppers, and finely chop the fresh parsley and basil. Don’t forget to grate the parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated, so it blends seamlessly into the salad.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta with all your prepared ingredients — diced salami, tomatoes, olives, onion, bell peppers, mozzarella balls, parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil. This colorful array promises a beautiful and flavorful salad that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 3: Add Dressing and Mix
Pour the Italian dressing over your mixture and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything carefully so every ingredient is coated with the zesty dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or add a little more dressing if you want an even bolder flavor experience.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
You can enjoy the salad immediately if you’re eager to dive in, but letting it chill in the fridge for an hour or two is magic. The flavors meld beautifully, making each forkful more delicious and harmonious. This step is perfect if you’re preparing ahead of time for a cookout or picnic.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe even further, try adding a handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a lovely richness, and crushed red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick if you love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or even a simple green salad. It’s a perfect complement to picnic spreads and summer barbecues, holding its own as a main or a vibrant side that brightens up any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers, or portion it into small individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go servings. Adding edible flowers or arranging fresh herb sprigs on top can make your dish look extra festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad holds up wonderfully, but to maintain the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later. If you notice it looking a bit dry, just toss in a little more dressing before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is not recommended because the fresh veggies and cheese can become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Letting it sit out for a few minutes to lose chill before serving can enhance the flavors if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because of its twists that hold dressing well, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work beautifully too.
Is this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make it vegetarian by omitting the salami or replacing it with a plant-based protein or extra veggies. The mozzarella and parmesan will still give it that authentic, rich Italian flavor.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
Preparing the salad a few hours ahead or even the night before is perfect for allowing the flavors to meld. Just keep it tightly covered and refrigerated.
Can I substitute the Italian dressing?
Yes, you can use homemade dressing or a different vinaigrette, but the classic Italian dressing really brings that signature tang and herbaceous note that defines this recipe.
What if I want to add more veggies?
Feel free to get creative! Cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even roasted red peppers add wonderful flavors and textures that keep this salad exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute favorite that consistently wows everyone who tries it. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to put together, making it a lifesaver for any occasion. Once you give it a try, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten up lunches, dinners, or your next get-together. So grab those ingredients and get ready to fall in love with one of the most delicious pasta salads you’ll ever taste!
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, diced salami, fresh mozzarella, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish at gatherings, this salad combines the richness of salami and cheeses with fresh herbs and crisp veggies for a delightful and easy-to-make recipe.
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 the package directions. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and drain it thoroughly. Meanwhile, dice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the red onion and bell pepper, and chop the parsley and basil. Grate the parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, bell pepper, mozzarella balls, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
- Add Dressing and Mix: Pour the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and coated evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more dressing if desired.
- Chill or Serve: You can serve the pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Chilling for some time will allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste of the salad.
Notes
- For best texture, rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Feel free to substitute salami with cooked chicken or pepperoni for different protein options.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, use a low-fat Italian dressing or reduce the amount used.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead to allow flavors to blend well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
