Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

If you want to bring more international flair to your table, check out these other recipes from around the globe; Mexican pasta salad, Asian Ramen salad, or this Greek tzatziki pasta salad.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

I love making this recipe when I need something quick and easy, especially when I need to feed a group. First of all, having the pasta as a base makes this hearty and filling. There is something for everyone to enjoy! Additionally, any store-bought Italian dressing works to dress this salad, however I love using my copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing or Easy Italian Dressing. It adds authenticity, but my guests always know the salad was made with love!

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Italian Pasta Salad?

As mentioned above, this recipe is great because you can customize it to suit your tastes. I love the fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, al dente pasta, and salty cheeses. For exact measurements of each item, see the recipe card below.

Rotini Pasta: Is the base for the salad and absorbs the dressing. Salami: Adds a savory flavor and chewy texture. Small Pepperonis: Introduces a spicy taste and meaty texture. Black Olives: Provides saltiness with a firm texture. Green Bell Pepper: Offers a fresh, crisp texture and mild sweetness. Red Onion: Adds a pop of color, sharp flavor, and crunch. Grape Tomatoes: Contributes a sweet, tangy flavor and pop of color. Fresh Parsley: Brings a beautiful green color and herby flavor. Fresh Basil: Adds a sweet-peppery flavor that enhances the overall freshness. Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty taste and gritty texture that complements the pasta. Fresh Mozzarella: Offers a creamy mild flavor and soft texture. Italian Dressing: This ties all the ingredients together with its tangy-sweet flavor and adds moisture to enhance the consistency of the salad.

How do I Make Italian Pasta Salad?

Although the list of ingredients may seem long, they’re all ready to go—you’ll just need to chop, slice, or dice them!

Pasta Variations: Use your favorite kind of pasta! I like the shape of rotini, but any bite-size pasta shape will work well. You can even use brown rice or chickpea pasta to make this salad gluten-free. Al Dente: Cook your noodles just until they are al dente! If you overcook your pasta, it will get mushy and break apart when you stir all the ingredients together. Absorption: Pasta salad tends to absorb liquid as it sits, so keep that in mind if you are making the pasta salad in advance. If I prepare the pasta salad the night before, I like to reserve about ¼ of the bottle of dressing to toss with the pasta salad right before I serve it. Customizable: You can easily customize the ingredients by adding alternative veggies or cheeses or omitting the ones you do not like.

In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Note that the salami and pepperoni may lose a bit of their color after 2 days or so, but that does not mean they have gone bad.