Name: Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. rotini pasta, uncooked; 2 cups fresh diced or bite-sized blanched vegetables of choice (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup black olives, sliced; ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced; ½ cup red onion, sliced; ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 8 oz. mozzarella pearls or halved mozzarella balls; 8 oz. salami, chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 batch homemade Italian dressing or 1 ½ cups store-bought Italian dressing; Salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something about a big, colorful bowl of Italian Pasta Salad that just makes every gathering brighter. This irresistible recipe is brimming with savory salami, creamy mozzarella, fresh veggies, and the signature kick of zesty Italian dressing, all tossed together with hearty rotini and finished with a shower of parmesan. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, trying to up your potluck game, or just looking for a way to turn leftovers into lunch gold, this salad packs flavor, texture, and satisfaction into every single bite.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes is a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients to create a salad that’s bursting with flavor. Each element plays its part, from adding crunch and color, to providing creamy richness or a salty punch. Here’s what makes Italian Pasta Salad truly unforgettable:

Rotini pasta: These spirals are the ideal shape for capturing every bit of dressing and veggie goodness.
Fresh bite-sized vegetables: Use blanched broccoli, bell peppers, or any crisp favorites for color and crunch—red and green bell peppers are especially vibrant.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweet juiciness balances the tangy dressing perfectly; halve them to make sure every forkful gets a burst.
Mozzarella pearls: Creamy, flecked throughout the salad—keep them whole or halve larger mozzarella balls for even distribution.
Salami: Chopped for savory richness; use your favorite kind for an authentic Italian flair.
Black olives: Sliced for a mild salty touch that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Pepperoncini: Add a zesty, mild heat and classic Italian tang.
Red onion: Sliced finely for a bit of sharpness and beautiful color ribbons.
Fresh parsley: Chopped to finish with fresh, herbaceous brightness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, but it adds savory, nutty depth that takes the salad over the top.
Italian dressing: Use a homemade batch if you can, or your favorite store-bought; adjust to taste for perfect creaminess and tang.
Salt and pepper: For that final seasoning tweak, so all the flavors shine.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package directions in a big pot of well-salted water. Once the pasta is tender but still pleasantly chewy, drain thoroughly and toss it with a little oil to prevent sticking. For best results, transfer the pasta to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about 10 minutes, so it’s not too warm when you add the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Mix-Ins

While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables: blanch any broccoli quickly if using, halve your cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, olives, and pepperoncini, and chop up those bright bell peppers. Chop the salami and fresh parsley, and halve the mozzarella balls if needed. This step is your chance to make each bite colorful, tasty, and satisfying.

Step 3: Combine Everything Except the Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and place the cooled pasta inside. Add in all your prepared vegetables, the mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, parsley, and parmesan (if using). Hold off on the dressing for just a minute so you can get an even distribution of all those tasty mix-ins first.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the homemade or store-bought Italian dressing over the top, starting with about 1 ½ cups but using less if you like a lighter salad. Toss everything thoroughly so each bite gets coated in flavor. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed—sometimes the meats and cheese bring enough salt on their own.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover your bowl (or transfer the salad to an airtight container) and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This resting time gives each ingredient a chance to soak up the dressing and blend all their delicious flavors together. Trust me, this Italian Pasta Salad is at its absolute best once it’s had a little time to mingle in the fridge!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Give your Italian Pasta Salad a little extra love right before serving. Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top for brightness, add a generous grating of extra parmesan, or top with a few more sliced olives and pepperoncini for a pretty, appetizing finish. A drizzle of olive oil makes it glisten beautifully on the table.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad can easily stand alone as a satisfying main dish, but it’s also a superstar alongside grilled chicken, juicy Italian sausages, or a platter of antipasto. For lighter fare, pair it with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Italian Pasta Salad in a big glass bowl for a colorful, layered effect, or scoop it into individual mason jars for a fun picnic or lunchbox surprise. For parties, serve it in endive leaves or on small crostini as a vibrant appetizer, making it instantly irresistible for guests of all ages.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Italian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 or 3 days. If the pasta begins to absorb some of the dressing and feels a bit dry, just stir in an extra splash before serving.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days, freezing isn’t recommended. The fresh vegetables and cheese can become watery and lose their wonderful texture when thawed, so it’s better to enjoy it from the fridge.

Reheating

Italian Pasta Salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s just out of the fridge, letting it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes helps bring out its full flavor and allows the dressing to shine.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making Italian Pasta Salad a day early is a great idea—it allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to be absorbed for even more delicious results. Just check the salad before serving and add a bit more dressing if you’d like.

What pasta shapes can I use for Italian Pasta Salad?

Rotini is my favorite because its twists catch all the good stuff, but you can also try bow ties, penne, fusilli, or even small shells for a fun change. Just pick a short pasta shape with texture so it holds onto the dressing well.

How can I make Italian Pasta Salad vegetarian?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by skipping the salami or swapping it for cubes of marinated tofu or extra cheese. Use plenty of assorted fresh vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep my Italian Pasta Salad from drying out?

If your salad seems a bit dry after chilling, simply stir in an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Italian dressing until you reach the perfect consistency. Pasta tends to soak up dressing as it sits, so adding a bit more refreshes the salad beautifully.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Of course! Use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing for convenience, but homemade is always a treat if you have time. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste and the texture you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that turns every mealtime into a celebration of bold flavors and cheerful color. With its irresistible mix of meats, cheeses, veggies, and that zippy dressing, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that never lasts long. Give it a try—your family and friends will be so glad you did!