This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is your ticket to vibrant, flavor-packed gatherings, whether it’s backyard barbecues or simple weeknight suppers. Every forkful is a celebration of colorful veggies, zesty Italian dressing, creamy mozzarella, and that irresistible sprinkle of Parmesan. The best part? It’s as approachable as it is delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for stress-free entertaining. Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest (and most satisfying) pasta salads you’ll ever make!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients for this beautiful Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. Each element is chosen to deliver maximum flavor, color, and crunch—making this dish the star of any table!

12 oz rotini pasta: The twists hold onto all the zesty dressing and bits of veggies brilliantly.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with summery color.
1 cup cucumber, diced: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a subtle bite and a pop of gorgeous purple.
1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Brings briny, savory notes that balance the salad perfectly.
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes: Creamy pockets of cheese for a mild, luscious richness.
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped: Salty, flavorful bites that add protein and depth (omit for vegetarian).
3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade): The zingy, herby heart of the salad—choose your favorite brand or try a quick homemade version.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a final savory flourish that ties the flavors together.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil: Brings a fresh, aromatic finish that lifts the whole salad.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and intensifying every flavor.

How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your rotini in a big pot of generously salted water. Aim for al dente—this means the pasta is tender but still has a little bite. Once it’s ready, drain and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking and cool the noodles down quickly. This step is the secret to a salad that doesn’t get mushy and stays perfectly springy.

Step 2: Chop and Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, use the time to halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the salami or pepperoni (if using). Prepping everything in similar sizes ensures each forkful is balanced, both in taste and presentation.

Step 3: Combine and Dress

In a large, roomy bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and prepared salami or pepperoni. Pour your Italian dressing over everything and give it a gentle but thorough toss, making sure every nook and cranny is coated with flavor. The dressing begins working its magic right away!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Scatter the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top, then season with salt and black pepper. Give the salad one more quick toss. This step is where everything comes together and those beautiful flavors start to mingle.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes. Chilling gives the ingredients time to soak up every bit of that tangy dressing and really come alive. Right before serving, toss everything again to redistribute the dressing. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching finish, sprinkle a few extra fresh herbs, more grated Parmesan, or even some extra halved cherry tomatoes right before serving. A light zesting of lemon adds brightness and takes things to the next level. These simple touches make the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe look and taste extra-special!

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with warm, crusty Italian bread, a simple green salad, or some grilled chicken for a complete meal. This versatile dish also loves company alongside grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even as part of a picnic spread. The flavors are so universal, it fits in everywhere!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe mounded on a platter family-style, or spooned into mason jars for a fun, portable option. For parties, pile it into tiny cups for an easy grab-and-go appetizer. You can even thread some of the ingredients (cheese, salami, tomatoes) onto skewers for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors keep mellowing and blending, often making the salad taste even better the next day. If the pasta soaks up too much dressing during storage, simply add another splash right before serving to revive its zing.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended due to the fresh ingredients and dairy-based mozzarella, you can cook and freeze the pasta separately if you like to prep ahead. For best results, assemble the salad fresh and enjoy it within a few days for peak texture and flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off and brings all those flavors to life again.

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just leave out the salami or pepperoni. You can add in even more veggies, like bell peppers or artichoke hearts, to boost the texture and flavor. It’s just as delicious and crowd-pleasing.

What’s the best type Side Dish

Rotini is classic because its twists hold the dressing so well, but you can also use fusilli, penne, or even bow ties. The key is to pick a shape that grabs onto lots of the good stuff in every bite!

How long should I chill the pasta salad before serving?

Thirty minutes minimum is ideal, but if you have time to refrigerate it for a few hours, that’s even better. The rest time allows all the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.

Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Definitely! A homemade dressing with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs is fantastic. Use your favorite recipe, or stick with store-bought if you’re short on time—this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is super flexible.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the regular rotini. There are plenty of good options on the market now, and the salad will turn out just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your friends or just want something easy, colorful, and packed with flavor for lunch or dinner, give this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe a try. It’s so simple, endlessly customizable, and always the first thing to disappear at potlucks. Go ahead—get mixing and enjoy every delicious, tangy bite!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a flavorful and colorful dish perfect for any gathering. With a mix of pasta, veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped

Dressing:

3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish:

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, mozzarella, and salami or pepperoni.
Add Dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything.
Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle with Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Toss again before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated.
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
Additional ingredients like artichoke hearts or peppers can be added for more flavor.

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