This Easy Italian Pasta Salad brings together colorful veggies, zesty olives, and tasty Italian dressing. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days!
This salad is a lifesaver for potlucks. I like to make it the night before so the flavors can mingle. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because the twisty shape holds onto the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle works great too.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of freshness! If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes will work. Just make sure to remove excess juice.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: They’re creamy and fun to eat! If you can’t find them, regular mozzarella cut into small cubes will do just fine. You could also use feta for a tangy twist.
Salami and Pepperoni: I love the flavor they bring! Feel free to swap these with any deli meats you like, such as turkey or ham, or use a plant-based alternative if you’re vegetarian.
Italian Dressing: You can buy this pre-made, but for a fresh touch, try making your own with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Well Mixed and Flavored?
Mixing pasta salad may seem easy, but attention to detail helps it taste better! Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking and cooling the pasta, ensure it’s completely cooled before mixing. This helps the salad stay fresh.
- Combine all the chopped veggies and proteins before adding the dressing. This ensures even distribution throughout the salad.
- When you add the dressing, do it gradually. Start with half the dressing, toss, and taste. Add more if you like more flavor!
- Let it chill in the fridge. This is key for letting the flavors meld together. One hour is usually good, but overnight is even better!
And remember, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing! Enjoy your vibrant pasta salad!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced mini pepperoni
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for those hot summer days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, diced red onion, sliced mini pepperoni, diced salami, and diced red bell pepper. Stir well to combine all the tasty ingredients.
3. Add the Dressing:
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and other ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season and Mix with Herbs:
Add the chopped fresh parsley, and season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss again to ensure everything is well mixed.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir and garnish with extra parsley if you’d like. Serve it chilled, and enjoy this vibrant and refreshing dish at your next summer picnic, barbecue, or casual meal!
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is full of colors and flavors, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary from traditional pasta. Once cooked, cool it down thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator! Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. If you’re worried about the pasta soaking up the dressing, consider dressing only what you plan to eat immediately and keeping the rest for later.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this salad with other vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or even artichokes. You can also add proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra boost!
What Should I Serve with Italian Pasta Salad?
This pasta salad is great on its own, but it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side dish at barbecues. For a refreshing meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread!
