If there’s one dish I want to shout about from the rooftops this summer, it’s Italian Pasta Salad. Bursting with a riot of colors and a garden of fresh flavors, this classic recipe embodies everything I love about summer eating: it’s easy, totally make-ahead, and just loaded with good things like tangy pickles, creamy cheese, savory salami, and a zesty homemade dressing that outshines anything store-bought. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a barbecue or packing it up for a picnic at the park, this pasta salad is always the first bowl to disappear. Let’s make it your new potluck favorite!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Italian Pasta Salad is how the simple, honest ingredients truly shine. Each one, from the crunchy vegetables to the briny pickles and aromatic fresh herbs, brings a unique flavor or texture that will make every bite pop!

Pasta (elbow, 1 pound): Go for classic elbow pasta for the perfect bite-sized shape that soaks up the dressing, but any short pasta will work beautifully.
Dill pickles (3 whole): The diced pickles add a tangy crunch and a little unexpected excitement.
Tomatoes (3, diced): Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweet, refreshing bursts of flavor throughout the salad.
Onion (1 white or red, diced): Red onion lends a gentle sharpness and lovely color, but white brings a subtle sweetness—choose your favorite!
Pepperoncinis (¼ cup): These pickled peppers provide a gentle heat and bright acidity that keeps each bite lively.
Fresh basil (2 sprigs, chopped): Cut into ribbons for an incredible herbal aroma and color.
Fresh oregano (1 sprig, chopped): Just a bit of this classic Italian herb adds a distinctive, earthy depth.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Parsley adds freshness and a vibrant green finish.
Salami (½ pound, diced): The savory, slightly spicy salami makes this pasta salad feel like a meal.
Provolone cheese (4 ounces, diced): Look for a block and cube it—this way, you get creamy, rich pockets in each mouthful.
Parmesan cheese (2 ounces): Finish the salad with plenty of freshly grated parmesan for an irresistible salty, nutty note.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 cup): Forms the base of the lush, flavorful homemade Italian dressing.
Apple cider vinegar (¼ cup): Adds bright, fruity acidity to the dressing.
Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): The secret to that authentic Italian zing.
Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Layering in more Italian flavor to the dressing.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Add more or less to suit your taste—the backbone of any Italian vinaigrette.
Dried minced onion (1 teaspoon): Deepens the dressing’s savory notes.
Celery salt (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle, aromatic seasoning you can’t quite put your finger on but will miss if it’s gone.
Dried parsley (½ teaspoon): Enhances the garden-fresh flavor in the dressing.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): For just the right amount of peppery bite.
Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Adds a whisper of earthy warmth.
Fennel seeds (¼ teaspoon): A little goes a long way for an authentic Italian touch that pairs perfectly with salami.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just enough for a hint of gentle heat.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Homemade Italian Dressing

Trust me, the dressing is the soul of any Italian Pasta Salad. Simply toss all the dressing ingredients—olive oil, vinegars, herbs, and spices—into a mason jar, pop on the lid, and shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. That little bit of muscle work ensures everything emulsifies into a luscious, perfectly blended dressing. Now let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better), which gives all those bold flavors time to mingle and deepen.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add all your pasta in one go. The key is to cook it until just al dente, so the noodles keep their shape once they soak up the dressing later. After draining, immediately rinse the pasta under cold water for about two minutes. This halts cooking and cools them down quick, so your salad stays refreshingly crisp. Toss the cooled noodles with a splash of olive oil and pop them in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Chop Your Add-Ins

Grab your sharpest knife and get dicing! Chop the pickles, tomatoes, onion, pepperoncinis, salami, and provolone into bite-sized pieces. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in every forkful. Ribbon the fresh basil and finely chop the oregano and parsley—these little flecks of green bring tons of fresh, sunny flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a roomy bowl, combine the cooled pasta, all your chopped veggies, herbs, salami, and provolone. Give it a gentle toss to mix. Pour the chilled Italian dressing over the top and toss again until every bite glistens. Pop the finished salad back in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—it only gets better as it sits!

Step 5: Serve With a Shower of Parmesan

Right before it hits the table, top your Italian Pasta Salad generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s the final flourish that brings all the flavors together and adds that irresistible salty finish.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A classic pasta salad is made even more spectacular with the right finishing touches. Shower it with extra parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or a few torn basil leaves right before serving. If you want even more flair, scatter on some toasted pine nuts or a few halved cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Italian Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill—think steaks, burgers, or juicy lemon-herb chicken. It’s also wonderful alongside a big leafy green salad, buttery garlic bread, or a platter of roasted veggies. For a lighter spread, just serve it with some good crusty bread and let its bold flavors be the star.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your pasta salad into little glass jars or pretty cups for individual servings at a picnic. For a crowd, pile it high in a big, shallow platter with extra herbs and edible flowers scattered on top. Or use mini skewers to thread bits of pasta, cheese, and veggies for a fun, grab-and-go appetizer at your next summer party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Pasta Salad can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors keep marinating and actually get even better! Just give it a good stir before serving to re-distribute the dressing and ensure every bite tastes as vibrant as the first day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really recommended for pasta salad—once thawed, the textures of the vegetables and cheese tend to change and become watery or mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, but you can prep all the components ahead and only combine right before serving for maximum freshness.

Reheating

Italian Pasta Salad is at its best served cold or at cool room temperature. If you’ve just pulled it from a very cold fridge, let it sit out for about 20 minutes to take the chill off. No need to heat—this salad is meant to be crisp, cool, and refreshing!

FAQs

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it in advance only helps the flavors develop more, making this a fantastic make-ahead dish for gatherings. Just give it a quick toss before serving, and it’ll taste even more vibrant.

What type of pasta works best?

Elbow pasta is my go-to for this recipe, but really any short pasta shape—like rotini, farfalle, or penne—will work. Pick something with nooks and crannies to catch all that gorgeous dressing and chopped goodies.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the salami, or swap in some roasted peppers or extra cheese for more flavor and protein. It’s easy to customize the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

What’s the secret to a really flavorful Italian Pasta Salad?

A dynamite homemade dressing is key, and letting the salad chill so the flavors truly meld together makes a huge difference. Fresh herbs and quality cheese also turn a good pasta salad into a truly unforgettable one.

How long will the homemade Italian dressing keep?

Stored in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge, your homemade Italian dressing will stay fresh for up to a week. Just give it a shake before each use to re-blend all those wonderful flavors.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the ultimate Italian Pasta Salad for every summer table! Give it a try, make it your own, and share it with friends. I promise, this cheerful, flavor-packed salad will earn you lots of fans wherever it goes!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad