Italian pasta salad tastes like an early summer breeze, tossing tri color rotini with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet red bell peppers. Kalamata olives, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil add salty, creamy, and fragrant pops in every bite. A bright vinaigrette made with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar coats each twist, while garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes add gentle warmth. Finished with toasted pine nuts for crunch, this colorful salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, and any gathering that needs an easy, happy crowd pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad
- It’s a breeze to whip up, perfect for busy days.
- Loaded with vibrant veggies for a fresh crunch.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite proteins!
- Great for meal prep; enjoy it all week long.
- Perfectly pairs with any summer BBQ or picnic.
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain and Rinse – Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your salad.
- Step 3: Chop the Veggies – Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, black olives, mozzarella, salami (if using), and fresh basil into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Make the Dressing – In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients – Add the cooled pasta and all the chopped ingredients to the bowl with the dressing.
- Step 6: Toss to Coat – Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. It should look colorful and inviting!
- Step 7: Chill – Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve – Garnish with extra basil if desired and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
- 8 ounces – rotini pasta
- 1 cup – cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup – cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup – red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup – bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup – black olives, sliced
- 1 cup – mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup – salami, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup – fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup – Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons – olive oil
- 2 tablespoons – red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon – salt
- 1/4 teaspoon – black pepper
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
This delightful Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings. With a preparation time of 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 1 hour, you’ll have a refreshing side dish ready to impress your guests!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your salad.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, black olives, mozzarella, salami (if using), and fresh basil into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta and all the chopped ingredients to the bowl with the dressing.
Step 6: Toss to Coat
Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. It should look colorful and inviting!
Step 7: Chill
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with extra basil if desired and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (chilling) |
| Total Time | 85 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Chilled and refreshing |
Pro Tips for Making Italian Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture.
- Chill your salad for at least an hour to enhance flavors.
- Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Use a variety of colorful veggies for visual appeal.
- Dress the salad lightly to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve this Italian Pasta Salad
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer treat.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Enjoy as a light lunch with crusty bread on the side.
- Mix in some olives or artichokes for extra zest.
- Perfect for picnics or potlucks—just pack and go!
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Italian Pasta Salad with ease:
Storing Italian Pasta Salad Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.
Freezing Italian Pasta Salad
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Italian Pasta Salad
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Gently toss with a splash of olive oil before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature for best taste.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What should I put in Italian pasta salad?
You can include a variety of ingredients in your Italian pasta salad! Common additions are cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness. Don’t forget to toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor!
2. What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?
To make the perfect pasta salad, avoid these common mistakes: 1) Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy. 2) Not cooling the pasta before adding other ingredients, leading to a soggy salad. 3) Skipping the seasoning, which can leave your salad bland. 4) Using too much dressing, which can overwhelm the flavors. 5) Not letting it chill in the fridge, as this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. What is the secret ingredient in pasta salad?
A great secret ingredient for pasta salad is a splash of lemon juice or vinegar! This adds a refreshing tang that brightens up the flavors. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a homemade Italian vinaigrette, to elevate your salad even further. Some people even like to add a hint of sweetness with a touch of honey or sugar to balance the acidity.
4. What is the secret to a good pasta salad?
The secret to a good pasta salad lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Make sure to use al dente pasta, as it holds up better in salads. Incorporate a mix of crunchy vegetables, creamy cheeses, and flavorful herbs. Additionally, allow your salad to marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this enhances the overall taste and allows the ingredients to blend harmoniously.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Italian Pasta Salad as we are to share it! It’s a delightful dish that brings back memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings. With its vibrant flavors and simple prep, you’ll find it’s not just a recipe, but a celebration of summer. Enjoy every bite!