Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
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!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta – Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Chop Ingredients – Dice bell peppers, onions, olives, and tomatoes. Slice pepperoni (if using).
- Make Dressing – Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Salad – Combine pasta, veggies, cheese, and meat in a bowl.
- Toss with Dressing – Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with Parmesan and basil.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!