Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini noodles; 3.5–4 oz pepperoni; 4 oz salami; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 1 cup black olives; 1 orange bell pepper; 1 green bell pepper; 1/2 cup red onion; 2 tbsp pepperoncini; 8 oz mozzarella pearls; 3/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup Parmesan; Dried herbs and spices; Salt and pepper

Jump to Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad brings together tender rotini, savory meats, crisp vegetables, and a bold homemade dressing in one vibrant bowl. This colorful Pasta Salad works beautifully as a Cold Salad for gatherings, yet it feels hearty enough for lunch or dinner. With zesty Italian Dressing and plenty of fresh ingredients, it delivers classic Mediterranean flavor in every bite. Whether you need a reliable Picnic Side or a satisfying Vegetarian-adaptable dish, this recipe makes entertaining simple and delicious.

Story

I first started making Italian Pasta Salad for backyard barbecues because I needed something dependable that everyone would enjoy. Over time, it became the one dish people specifically request. Italian Pasta Salad holds up well in warm weather, tastes even better the next day, and pairs perfectly with grilled favorites.

What makes Italian Pasta Salad special is how the warm pasta absorbs the dressing early on. Then, as it chills, the flavors deepen and blend together. I love how the mozzarella pearls stay creamy while the peppers and onions add crunch. Every time I serve Italian Pasta Salad, it disappears quickly. It feels festive, colorful, and satisfying without being complicated. Plus, you can easily adjust it depending on what you have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

1 lb rotini noodles
3.5 to 4 oz pepperoni (about 3/4 cup, quartered)
4 oz salami slices (about 3/4 cup, cut into quarters)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black olives, halved and drained
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
2 tbsp chopped pepperoncini
8 oz mozzarella pearls
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Minced parsley, for garnish

For the Homemade Italian Dressing

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing the Italian dressing. Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Parmesan, dried herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and sugar to a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully combined. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use, and shake again before pouring.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and transfer the warm pasta to a large serving bowl. Toss gently to prevent sticking.

Cooking Instructions

Pour half of the homemade Italian dressing over the warm pasta. Toss until evenly coated so the pasta absorbs the flavor. Then add pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Fold everything together gently to distribute ingredients evenly.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to let the flavors develop. Keep the remaining dressing chilled separately. Before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again. Finish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the pasta, since soft noodles will turn mushy after chilling. Always cook to al dente for the best texture. Also, do not skip salting the pasta water because it builds flavor from the start. Finally, never pour all the dressing at once. Adding half while warm and half before serving keeps the salad balanced and fresh.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for several hours to deepen the taste. Stir it once or twice while chilling so ingredients stay evenly coated. If the salad looks slightly dry before serving, add a small splash of extra dressing. For even more brightness, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice right before serving.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Italian Pasta Salad works beautifully alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or Italian sausages. It also complements garlic bread, focaccia, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. For a full Mediterranean spread, serve it with marinated artichokes or a simple caprese salad. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors and soften the mozzarella.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad actually improves as it sits because the flavors meld together. Stir well before serving, since the dressing may settle at the bottom. If needed, add a drizzle of extra dressing to refresh the texture.

Conclusion

Italian Pasta Salad offers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and reliable crowd appeal. It fits casual cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners with ease. Because it tastes even better the next day, it also makes meal prep simple. Try this recipe once, and it may become your go-to dish for every gathering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Italian Pasta Salad up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving. If needed, add a small amount of extra dressing to refresh the flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the pepperoni and salami. You can add extra vegetables like cucumbers or artichoke hearts for more texture and flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Rotini works best because its spirals hold onto the dressing. However, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta if needed.