Italian Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Pasta Salad is everything you want in a side dish—fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor. The combination of pasta, veggies, cheese, and a homemade Italian dressing brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. It’s also incredibly versatile: you can add your favorite ingredients like olives, pepperoni, or more cheese to make it your own. Plus, it’s easy to make in advance, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or when you need to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) of pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)

• 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced (optional)

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini mozzarella balls

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the pasta salad:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain fully.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Thinly slice the red onion and olives, if using.

3. Combine the pasta and veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently.

For the dressing:

4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar or lemon juice. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey or sugar.

To assemble:

5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

6. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir again before serving and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add grilled chicken, salami, or Italian sausage for more protein.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like artichoke hearts, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

• Cheese Lovers: Add more cheese such as provolone, feta, or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

• Spicy Italian Pasta Salad: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing for a bit of heat.

• Greek Twist: Substitute feta cheese and Kalamata olives for the mozzarella and black olives, and use oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta salad can be made ahead of time, which enhances the flavor as it marinates in the dressing.

• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so it doesn’t need reheating. However, if you prefer it warm, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any type of short pasta works well in this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great options. Gluten-free pasta can also be used for a gluten-free version.

3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, fresh herbs will add a bright flavor to the salad. Use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. For example, use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon fresh basil instead of 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cherry peppers for more color and flavor.

5. Can I use a store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing tastes the best, you can use a store-bought Italian dressing if you’re short on time. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your preference.

6. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes! To make it spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy pepperoncini peppers to the salad or dressing.

7. Can I make this salad without cheese?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.

8. How do I make this pasta salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans. Roasted chickpeas are also a great option for a vegetarian protein source.

9. Can I freeze this pasta salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked pasta and store it separately from the dressing. Freezing the entire salad can affect the texture of the vegetables and cheese.

10. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, to make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the cheese and use a vegan-friendly dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs.

Conclusion

Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, pasta, and a tangy dressing, it’s an ideal side dish or light meal. With endless variations, it’s easy to make this salad your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this Italian Pasta Salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!