Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic

Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious, colorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for all occasions. With its combination of fresh vegetables, cheese, and homemade dressing, it’s a flavorful and healthy addition to your meal rotation. Whether you make it for a holiday gathering, a picnic, or a weekday lunch, this salad will always leave you wanting more!

What makes this pasta salad truly special is its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious and refreshing. With its bright flavors and delightful textures, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad

🍝 Quick and Easy – This pasta salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute dish.

🌱 Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with fresh veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats, it’s a well-balanced dish.

🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, meal prepping, or packing lunch, this dish fits the bill.

🧀 Bursting with Flavor – The combination of Italian dressing, fresh herbs, and tangy cheese creates a deliciously bold taste.

⏳ Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors intensify over time, making it a great dish to prepare ahead.

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Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (or any pasta of choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Italian Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

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How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

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Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. While the pasta is cooling, chop the vegetables—halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, slice the olives, and finely chop the red onion.
2. Slice the pepperoni or salami (if using) into small pieces.
3. Tear or slice the mozzarella into bite-sized chunks.

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Step 3: Make the Italian Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, and pepperoni/salami.
2. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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Tips for the Best Italian Pasta Salad

🍝 Use the Right Pasta – Rotini, fusilli, or penne hold the dressing well, ensuring flavor in every bite.

🌿 Go Fresh with Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley enhances the flavors beautifully.

🧀 Experiment with Cheese – If you don’t have mozzarella, try feta or provolone for a different twist.

🍗 Add Protein for a Meal – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make this salad a heartier meal.

🌶 Customize the Heat – Add extra red pepper flakes or banana peppers for a spicy kick.

⏳ Make Ahead for Deeper Flavor – This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

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How to Store Italian Pasta Salad

🧊 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🔥 Avoid Freezing: The ingredients don’t freeze well, as the texture changes after thawing.

🥄 Refresh Before Serving: If the salad absorbs too much dressing, toss it with a little extra olive oil and vinegar before serving.

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How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

🍗 As a Side Dish – Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a complete meal.

🥗 As a Light Meal – Serve with garlic bread and a side of roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

🎉 At Parties & Potlucks – Make a big batch for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

🍷 With Wine – This salad pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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Variations to Try

🍋 Lemon-Herb Twist – Add a splash of lemon juice and zest for extra freshness.

🥒 Greek-Style Pasta Salad – Swap mozzarella for feta, add cucumbers and kalamata olives.

🌽 Mediterranean-Inspired – Add roasted red peppers, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.

🥑 Creamy Italian Pasta Salad – Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamy texture.

Why This Italian Pasta Salad is a Must-Try

This Italian Pasta Salad is a go-to recipe for any gathering, meal prep, or quick lunch. It’s simple to prepare, full of bold flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or enjoying it as a meal prep dish, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a burst of fresh, Italian flavors in every bite!