Delicious Italian Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

Name: Delicious Italian Pasta Salad for Every Occasion
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. Rotini pasta; 1 small red bell pepper (about 1 cup diced); 1 small green bell pepper (about 1 cup diced); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (sliced); 1 cup sliced black olives; ½ cup finely diced red onion; ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley; 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls (about 1 ¼ cups); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup chopped salami (4-5 oz.); ¾ cup mini pepperoni; 1 ¼ cup Italian salad dressing; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling); 1 tbsp. kosher salt (for pasta water)

by basmer

3 de January de 2026

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Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining rotini pasta with vibrant vegetables and savory meats. This colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or just a refreshing side for any meal. Imagine the crunch of fresh bell peppers, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the creaminess of mozzarella pearls all coming together in a zesty Italian dressing. Let’s dive into this homemade Italian Pasta Salad recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a vegetarian Italian pasta salad that caters to various dietary preferences. Secondly, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Thirdly, the combination of ingredients like salami and mini pepperoni adds a delightful savory touch, while the fresh vegetables ensure a crispy bite. Fourthly, the homemade Italian dressing elevates the overall flavor, offering a fresher taste compared to store-bought options. This salad is not only a cold Italian pasta salad but also a Mediterranean delight, bursting with colors and flavors. Finally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily modified with your choice of ingredients!

Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad

Gather these items:

1 lb. Rotini pasta
1 small red bell pepper (about 1 cup diced)
1 small green bell pepper (about 1 cup diced)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (sliced)
1 cup sliced black olives
½ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
8 oz. Mozzarella pearls (about 1 ¼ cups)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup chopped salami (4-5 oz.)
¾ cup mini pepperoni
1 ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
1 tbsp. kosher salt (for pasta water)

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, season it generously with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to enhance pasta flavor.
Step 2: Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 30 seconds less than the package instructions recommend.
Step 3: Drain the pasta thoroughly and spread it out evenly on a tray or parchment paper. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and allow it to cool completely.
Step 4: While the pasta is boiling and cooling, dice the red and green bell peppers finely, slice the cherry tomatoes, and slice the black olives. Finely dice the red onion and chop the fresh parsley.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced peppers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped salami, mini pepperoni, sliced olives, diced red onion, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Pour 1 ¼ cups of Italian salad dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating of the dressing.
Step 7: For best flavor and texture, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
Step 8: If preparing the salad 8-12 hours in advance, reserve half a cup of additional Italian dressing. Toss the salad again with the extra dressing before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Pasta Salad

Keep these in mind:

This salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish.
Use homemade Italian dressing for a fresher taste.
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference; options like spinach or artichokes work wonderfully!
Ensure the pasta is cooled before mixing to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad shines as a standalone dish, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your dining experience. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Alternatively, pair it with crusty bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dinner. For a lighter option, consider serving it as a side dish with your favorite Italian-style main course.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Pasta Salad

To store your Italian Pasta Salad, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you might need to add a little more dressing, as the pasta may absorb some of the moisture over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Pasta Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Pasta Salad?

The key to a perfect Italian Pasta Salad is to ensure your pasta is cooked al dente and to let the salad chill for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time improves the flavor as it sits in the fridge. Just remember to reserve some dressing to add before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Pasta Salad?

Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it can become mushy. Also, be sure to dry your vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the salad to keep everything crisp.

Variations of Italian Pasta Salad You Can Try

Feel free to customize this dish with various ingredients. You can create a creamy Italian pasta salad recipe by adding a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream. For a healthier twist, make a vegetarian Italian pasta salad by omitting the meats and adding more veggies. Other options include a Mediterranean pasta salad with feta cheese and olives or a classic Italian pasta salad with different pasta shapes and dressings.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making a refreshing tuna pasta salad for a quick meal. You can also explore creamy potato soup as a comforting side dish.

For more information on the health benefits of pasta salads, you can visit Healthline.

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

Author: basmer
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with fresh bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, salami, pepperoni, olives, and red onion.

Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, season it generously with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 30 seconds less than the package instructions recommend.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and spread it out evenly on a tray or parchment paper. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and allow it to cool completely.
While the pasta is boiling and cooling, dice the red and green bell peppers, slice the cherry tomatoes, and slice the black olives. Finely dice the red onion and chop the fresh parsley.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced peppers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped salami, mini pepperoni, sliced olives, diced red onion, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour 1 ¼ cups of Italian salad dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly.
For best flavor and texture, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
If preparing the salad 8-12 hours in advance, reserve half a cup of additional Italian dressing. Toss the salad again with the extra dressing before serving.