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Italian Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with lots of yummy ingredients like salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh mozzarella and more! This pasta salad recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead. This is one delicious pasta salad that will impress your guests!
Pasta Salad with Lots of Flavor
Sometimes you just want something different as a side dish. Especially in the summer! Some side dishes don’t hold up too well. This delicious pasta salad does!
I like a pasta salad that is loaded with lots of good stuff. That’s what is so nice about this easy Italian Pasta Salad, it has plenty of pasta, meat, veggies, and cheese.
Pasta Shapes to Use for Pasta Salad
- For this pasta salad, I like to use the tri-colored rotini – spiral shaped pasta (or use all one color).
- Some other options are: farfalle (bow-ties), or penne. All three of those hold up well with all of the mixing, and look nice, too!
- Really you can use what you have. The main tip is to cook the pasta only until it is al dente. That means it still has a little tooth, or firmness to it. Just not too soft.
Which Italian Dressing?
What I usually do is grab a bottle of my favorite Italian dressing. It’s actually an inexpensive one! It’s just so easy, and there are many brands and varieties out there to choose from. Even Olive Garden has theirs for sale! It’s pretty yummy!
You can make your own if you like, either from scratch, or from a dressing packet. As long as it has good flavor that you enjoy!
Make Ahead Side Dish
What I love about this pasta salad recipe is that it gets even better as it sits in the fridge. The flavors have a chance to blend and the pasta soaks up the delicious dressing.
It is a great make-ahead side dish, and it only takes about 25 minutes to prepare.
Is Italian Pasta Salad Good for Meal Prep?
Yes it is! This recipe makes about 12 servings, so you will have plenty for a first meal, then the next several days worth of lunches.
This is a hearty pasta salad that will last about 3 days or so in the fridge.
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If you make this Italian Pasta Salad recipe please leave me a comment below and tell me how you liked it!
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz Tri-Colored Rotini Pasta, uncooked
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
The Salad
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 lb Italian Salami or Summer Sausage, cut in rounds, then quartered
- ½ cup Pepperoncinis, sliced
- 10 oz Mozzarella Balls (pearls)
- ½ cup Kalamata Olives, pitted, cut in half
- ½ cup Large Black Olives, pitted, sliced in thirds
- ⅓ cup Red Onion, diced
- ½ Orange Bell Pepper, diced
- 9 large Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped
- 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian Dressing (use your favorite)
Garnish
- ½ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the rotini and the salt. Cook until al dente, or softer if you like. Don't cook too much as the pasta might fall apart when stirred in the salad.
- Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it with cold water until cooled. This prevents overcooking. Add pasta to a large bowl.
- Add all of the ingredients except for the dressing and parmesan, then stir.
- Pour in half of the bottle of dressing, then gently toss to coat all of the ingredients.
- Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for about 2 to 3 hours before serving, if you can. This helps the flavors all soak in.
- Right before serving, add half of the remaining dressing and toss the salad. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
- Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Stir the leftovers well and add more dressing if needed to freshen up the flavors.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I had to half the recipe and it still made enough for 6+!
It was delicious and hearty, loved it and keeping for future.
Thank you Sandy!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Definitely a favorite around here!
I really enjoyed making your Italian Pasta recipe !! It was Delicious and my wife and children enjoyed the newness.Thank you for posting your recipe!
Great recipe!!
Why not cook the pasta in the instant pot then use the pot for a mixing bowl ? just saying
You could do that!
This has become our go to favorite for family gatherings and summer picnics! Love the leftovers for lunch!
Loved this recipe, it was a hit with everyone who tried it and people are asking for the recipe. I don’t do the salami in it but that’s just me. I did make some with the salami for those who like it, it was a hit with or without the salami! Thanks for sharing this terrific recipe!!!