If you have ever wanted a refreshing yet hearty dish that embraces the bright, vibrant flavors of Italy, then this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Combining perfectly cooked rotini pasta with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and an irresistible Italian dressing, this salad brings together a symphony of textures and tastes that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Whether you’re planning a casual picnic, a potluck, or just want to brighten up your dinner table, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own magic to the final dish. Every item is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance, color, and flavor, ensuring each bite is delightful.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a juicy pop of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Provides a cool, refreshing crunch that balances the richness.
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped: Contributes a subtle sweetness and brightens the salad’s appearance.
- 3/4 cup black olives, sliced: Brings a savory depth and slight brininess to the salad.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers just the right sharpness to cut through the creaminess.
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella: Delivers creamy, melty goodness that pairs perfectly with veggies.
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced into strips (optional): Adds a smoky, meaty richness for those who want extra protein.
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing: The zesty, herb-packed elixir that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal note that livens up the salad beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture — tender yet with a satisfying bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta because you want to ensure it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the dressing.
Step 2: Cool the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it well under cold running water. This not only stops the cooking process but also cools the pasta down so that it’s ready to combine with the other fresh ingredients without wilting them or melting the cheese.
Step 3: Combine Fresh Veggies and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced black olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the mozzarella pearls or cubes to the mix, creating a colorful, vibrant base for your salad.
Step 4: Add Optional Salami
If you’re including salami, now is the time to add those flavorful strips. They bring a delicious smoky contrast to the freshness of the veggies and creaminess of the cheese, but feel free to leave it out to keep this recipe vegetarian.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Pour in the Italian dressing generously, then gently toss everything with care to coat every piece evenly. The dressing is the heart of this salad, as it infuses each bite with herby, tangy goodness that elevates all the ingredients.
Step 6: Finish and Chill
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and marry beautifully. Give it a good toss right before serving.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. A drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a luxurious finish that impresses your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic main for lighter lunches, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad. It’s incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly on picnic spreads or barbecue tables alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase its vibrant colors or individual portions in small mason jars for an adorable and practical presentation. You can also stuff hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers with this salad for a charming and creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving again as the dressing may settle and the pasta can absorb some of the liquid.
Freezing
Because this dish is fresh and contains raw vegetables and mozzarella, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the veggies and cheese, making the salad less enjoyable after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If desired, you can let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but reheating is not necessary and may change the texture negatively.
FAQs
Can I make this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe without salami?
Absolutely! Omitting the salami makes this salad vegetarian without compromising flavor. You can even add extra veggies or cheese to keep it satisfying.
What kind of pasta works best in this salad?
Rotini is ideal because its curls trap the dressing and bits of vegetables. However, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli also work well.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella for feta or provolone for a different but equally tasty twist. Just be mindful of the cheese’s texture and saltiness.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is great to let the flavors meld, but for even better results, chilling for an hour or more works beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge and makes a quick, healthy meal option for busy days. Just toss it again before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings together the best of simple ingredients and hearty flavors in a way that feels both satisfying and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something bright and delicious, give this recipe a try — I promise it will become one of your favorite staples.
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and Italian dressing. Perfect as a summer side dish or a make-ahead meal, this colorful salad is packed with vibrant flavors and textures. You can customize it by adding salami for a non-vegetarian option or substitute cheeses for different tastes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Meat
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced into strips (optional)
Dressing and Garnish
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls (or cubes), and salami strips if using.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Season and Garnish: Add chopped fresh parsley, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute the seasoning.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For optimal taste, chilling for at least one hour is recommended.
- Serve: Toss the salad again just before serving to redistribute dressing and flavors. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with feta or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami.
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least one hour before serving.
