If you’re dreaming of a dish that bursts with color, flavor, and pure joy in every bite, this Italian Pasta Salad is your ticket to happiness. Packed with tender rotini, crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a bright, zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and weeknight dinners alike. This salad brings the best of Italian-inspired flavors together in a bowl, and it only gets better as it sits, making it the ultimate make-ahead side. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Italian Pasta Salad starts with fresh, simple ingredients, each one adding its own pop of flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters for the final dish.

Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto all the delicious dressing and bits of veggies, making every forkful flavorful.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these add a lovely burst of color and freshness.
Cucumber: Diced cucumber brings a satisfying crunch and coolness that balances the other ingredients.
Mozzarella pearls: These mini cheese balls add creaminess and mild, milky flavor throughout.
Sliced black olives: For a hint of briny, savory depth that rounds out the salad.
Red bell pepper: Not just for color, but also for a sweet and slightly tangy bite.
Red onion: Finely diced, it provides a gentle sharpness and beautiful purple flecks.
Salami or pepperoni (optional): For extra heartiness and a punch of savory, meaty flavor—totally optional but highly recommended!
Fresh parsley or basil: Herbs bring the whole salad to life with their vibrant, aromatic freshness.
Italian dressing: This is the flavor backbone; use your favorite store-bought bottle or whip up a homemade batch.
Salt and black pepper: The finishing touch to bring out all the flavors and make them sing.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and give it a good rinse under cold water—this stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly so your salad isn’t soggy or mushy. Perfectly cooked and cooled pasta is the base for the best Italian Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Chop and Prep the Add-Ins

While the pasta cools, start chopping! Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and quarter the mozzarella pearls if they’re on the bigger side. If you’re adding salami or pepperoni, slice and quarter those too. Fresh herbs should be chopped right before adding for maximum flavor and color.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Grab your largest mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta, all the chopped vegetables, olives, and mozzarella. If you’re using salami or pepperoni, toss that in as well. Add the fresh parsley or basil, and pour the Italian dressing all over. Use big salad tongs or clean hands to toss everything gently until every piece is nicely coated in dressing.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper to your liking—you’ll be surprised how a little seasoning can wake up all the flavors! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (longer if you have time). This resting period lets the flavors mingle and meld, transforming your Italian Pasta Salad from good to absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss. If it looks a bit dry from soaking up the dressing, drizzle on a splash more. Now your Italian Pasta Salad is ready to steal the show at your table!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs—parsley or basil—is always a good idea, adding a burst of green and a fresh aroma. For a little extra flair, scatter a few more mozzarella pearls or a handful of halved cherry tomatoes on top. You could even finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper to really make it pop.

Side Dishes

Italian Pasta Salad plays well with just about anything. It’s fantastic next to grilled chicken, sausages, burgers, or sandwiches. For a truly Italian-inspired spread, serve it alongside bruschetta, caprese skewers, or a simple green salad. It’s also a refreshing contrast to richer main dishes at any cookout or dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to have a little fun, try serving this salad in individual mason jars for picnics, or pile it into a big, rustic wooden bowl for a family-style feast. You can even make little appetizer cups for parties, topped with a mini skewer of mozzarella, olive, and tomato. However you serve it, Italian Pasta Salad is sure to be a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Pasta Salad is a make-ahead champion. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious as it sits, but if the pasta soaks up too much dressing, just add a splash more before serving to revive its creamy, zesty appeal.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of the pasta and veggies, making them watery or mushy upon thawing. If you need to prep ahead, try chopping the veggies and storing them separately, then assembling and dressing the salad right before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Italian Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! Just give it a good toss and maybe an extra drizzle of dressing if needed. If you’re adding grilled chicken or other proteins, warm those separately and serve on top for a tasty twist.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, it gets even better as it sits. Prepare everything, toss with dressing, and chill overnight. Just add a little more dressing before serving if it looks dry.

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free rotini or pasta shape. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Artichoke hearts, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, or even grilled zucchini all taste great in Italian Pasta Salad. Use what you love or have on hand.

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Definitely—penne, farfalle, or fusilli all work well. Just pick a sturdy shape with lots of nooks and crannies to soak up the dressing and other flavors.

Is there a vegetarian version of Italian Pasta Salad?

Yes! Just leave out the salami or pepperoni, and you’ll have a fresh, hearty vegetarian salad that everyone will enjoy. The cheese and veggies provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bright, satisfying, and endlessly versatile dish, you can’t go wrong with this Italian Pasta Salad. It’s simple, celebratory, and guaranteed to win hearts wherever it’s served. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a staple in my kitchen and bound to become a favorite in yours too!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer side dish featuring rotini pasta combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. This make-ahead salad is perfect for potlucks or easy weeknight meals, offering a lovely balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
3/4 cup mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices, quartered (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, sliced black olives, red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and salami or pepperoni if using.
Add Herbs and Dressing: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Season to Taste: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed, adjusting the flavors to your preference.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld for a more delicious taste.

Notes

This pasta salad can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
Add a splash more Italian dressing before serving if the salad seems dry.
Customize the salad by adding artichoke hearts, banana peppers, or grilled chicken for added variety.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook (after boiling)
Cuisine: Italian-American