Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Italian pasta salad is a flavorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with rotini pasta, salami, fresh mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s tossed in a tangy Italian dressing that brings all the ingredients together, making it the ideal side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Whether you serve it right away or let it marinate for a few hours, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 6 oz salami, sliced into strips
• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, pearls or halved mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup Italian dressing (or more to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, slice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red onion, and chop the roasted red peppers and parsley.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, salami, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, olives, roasted red peppers, and parsley.
4. Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing if needed, depending on your taste preference.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 1-3 hours to let the flavors marinate before serving.

Tips

• Pasta texture: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture in a pasta salad.
• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours of marinating, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Adjust the dressing: Start with 1 cup of Italian dressing, but feel free to add more to achieve the perfect level of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: If you prefer, swap the salami for pepperoni, ham, or even grilled chicken.
• Cheese: If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can substitute with shredded mozzarella or feta cheese.
• Olives: You can mix and match black and green olives, or add more varieties like green olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, leave out the salami and add in some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad in advance? Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Refrigerate it for up to 1-3 hours or even overnight for the best flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute rotini with other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

Can I use a homemade dressing? Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make your own Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Side dish: This pasta salad is a great side dish to serve alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer barbecue.
• Toppings: Garnish with extra fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or add some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.
• Picnic food: This dish is perfect for a picnic or potluck, as it can be served cold or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian pasta salad is packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients and bursting with flavor. The combination of crispy salami, tangy olives, sweet tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella makes every bite a delight. It’s an easy-to-make, customizable dish that’s perfect for warm-weather meals, picnics, or gatherings. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead recipe, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying side dish ready to serve whenever you need it!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta

• 6 oz salami, sliced into strips

• 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)

• 1/2 English cucumber, diced

• 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, pearls or halved mozzarella balls

• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 cup Italian dressing (or more to taste)

Directions

• Cook the pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, slice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red onion, and chop the roasted red peppers and parsley.
• Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, salami, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, olives, roasted red peppers, and parsley.
• Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing if needed, depending on your taste preference.
• Serve: Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 1-3 hours to let the flavors marinate before serving.