Name: Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Rotini pasta; 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup Fresh basil leaves; 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced

What is my go-to summer side dish? Italian Pasta Salad. What is a pasta salad? It’s *the* Italian Pasta Salad Recipe that has been requested at every family gathering, potluck, and dinner party. I’ve been doing a summer BBQ for as long as I can remember. What’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that just scream summertime? Think of it as the cooler, more adventurous cousin of your average macaroni salad – so much more flavorful. What are some good ways to make a meal less boring? I swear, even people who claim they don’t like pasta salad end up sneaking seconds (or thirds!)

What is Italian Pasta Salad?

Italian Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s essentially a symphony of cooked pasta (usually rotini or penne), crisp veggies, salty cured meat. What are some good meats, tangy cheese and a zesty Italian dressing? Think of it as a deconstructed Italian sub, but in salad form. Is it incredibly versatile? What are some of the best veggies and meats you like? What is the best part? It’s delicious as a side dish, if not fried, or even as snack? What is comfort food with a refreshing twist?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to eat Italian Pasta Salad? First off, the flavor is just amazing. What is that bright, herby Italian dressing coating everything, the salty pepperoni and salami? What are some of the best savory bites, the fresh crunch from the veggies, and the creamy mozzarella pearls? How do you tie it all together? Is it a flavor explosion in every bite? If you can boil pasta and chop veggies, you could nail this recipe. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying? What are some of the best deals on a new Can you use up leftover veggies and meats, and the ingredients are generally pretty affordable? What I love about this, though, is its versatility. Can you adapt it to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or proteins? Why don’t I like olives? Leave them out! Want to add grilled chicken? Go for it! What is your canvas?

How do I make Italian Pasta Salad?

Quick Overview

How do you make an Italian Pasta Salad? You’ll start by cooking your pasta to al dente perfection. While pasta cooks, you’ll chop your veggies, meats and cheese. Once the pasta is cooled, you’ll toss everything together with a generous helping of Italian dressing. Is it that simple? What is the best way to cook pasta? What is the best way to prepare for flavoring?

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
I prefer rotini pasta (I prefer tri-color for visual appeal, but any short pasta will work) to 1 pound.
Water and salt, for boiling.

For the Salad:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
1 cup cucumber, diced.
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped.
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (kalamata olive is my favorite)
1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced. 1
1/2 cup salami, sliced.
1 cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella cheese): 1 tsp.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.

For the Dressing:
1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade) – I have a killer homemade recipe I can share if you want. I’m interested in
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for extra tang): 1 teaspoon olive oil.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a nice depth of flavor)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon black pepper.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! Soggy pasta is a no-no. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you remove starch from pasta? I always do this, it is very important!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While pasta is cooking, chop your veggies. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for a nice presentation and even distribution of colors. I always use a sharp knife to make quick work of this step. What are some of the best veggie recipes? What are some good substitutes for artichoke hearts?

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped veggies, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, and basil. Serve immediately. What are pearls and parsley? Is it safe to spill everything in a bowl? Where does magic happen?

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. Garlic powder, black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my recipe. What makes the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe better?

Step 5: Dress the Salad

What’s your favorite pasta salad dressing? Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. I usually use my hands for this step to ensure that the dressing gets into all the nooks and corners.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do I make pasta to meld the flavors? I actually prefer to let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight, for the best results. Is it good to chill the flavors for a while?

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh parsley. Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect as a side dish, or even as an appetizer. Is it a family favorite?

What is the best way to serve it?

This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a classic summer BBQ, serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. Is it good with grilled vegetables? If you’re looking for a lighter meal, pair it with steamed green salad or soup. My family loves to eat it as lunch, so it has plenty of chances to shine!For Lunch: I love to have it with a simple sandwich and chips.
For Dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with pork chops?
For Parties:Can you serve this as the side for any type of party?

How do I make an Italian Pasta Salad?

How do I make Italian Pasta Salads?Pasta Perfection:Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. I always set a timer to be sure.Dressing:What is the best dressing to serve with a salad? If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add honey or sugar. If you like it tangier, add more red wine vinegar.What are some of the Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.

Cheese Please: Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella pearls are my favorite, but cubed mozzarella or even provolone would work well.

Meat Matters: Choose high-quality pepperoni and salami for the best flavor. I prefer to use a combination of spicy and sweet varieties for a more complex flavor profile.

Chill Out: Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to chill thoroughly. I actually prefer to let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight, for the best flavor.

Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! Parsley is a must, but you could also add basil, oregano, or even thyme for a more complex flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is especially important if you’re using store-bought Italian dressing, which can sometimes be lacking in flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better as it sits, so it’s a great option for meal prepping or bringing to potlucks.

Room Temperature: I do not recommend to keep the pasta salad at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: If stored properly, this pasta salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer Instructions: I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. The pasta and veggies will become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together even better when it sits in the fridge for a few hours. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be great additions.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! Any short pasta will work well in this salad. Penne, farfalle (bow tie), or even ditalini would be great choices.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and salami. You could also add some grilled vegetables or marinated artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

The pasta seems dry. What can I do?

Add a little bit more Italian dressing! Sometimes the pasta soaks up the dressing as it sits.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, packing a picnic lunch, or just need a quick and easy side dish, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more delicious inspiration. Happy cooking! Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations in the comments below!