Colorful Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Summers buzz with the irresistible charm of a classic Italian pasta salad that blends vibrant colors and fresh ingredients into one delightful dish.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that instantly refresh your palate.

Every forkful promises a delectable journey through Mediterranean-inspired tastes and textures.

Tangy dressing weaves through colorful bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and tender pasta, promising a meal that’s both light and satisfying.

Olives and herbs add unexpected bursts of excitement to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, this pasta salad brings a touch of Italian sunshine to your table.

Serve chilled and watch as friends and family devour every last delicious bite.

Store and Chill Italian Pasta Salad

• Store the pasta salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain maximum freshness.
• Freeze the pasta salad without the dressing for maximum quality. Place in a freezer-safe container and store up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• When ready to enjoy, give the pasta salad a quick stir to redistribute ingredients. Add a splash of fresh dressing or olive oil to refresh the flavors and restore moisture lost during storage.
• For best results, consume cold. If you prefer slightly warm, microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven heating. Avoid prolonged heating to maintain ingredient texture and prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Italian Pasta Salad

• Flavor Fusion: Pair the zesty Italian pasta salad with crisp, light white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complement its tangy dressing and fresh ingredients.
• Wine Harmony: Select a chilled rosé from Provence to balance the salami's richness and add a refreshing Mediterranean touch to the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the cold pasta salad.
• Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side for those wanting extra protein, which will enhance the salad's Italian-inspired culinary experience without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Mix-Ins for Italian Pasta Salad

• Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Swap traditional rotini with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic Italian flavor profile.
• Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace salami and mozzarella with plant-based protein like marinated tofu cubes or tempeh, using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free alternative that's packed with flavor.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Remix: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the robust dressing and colorful vegetable mix for a lighter, keto-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a more substantial meal that's perfect for meal prep and provides extra nutritional value.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing special in this Italian pasta salad?

The dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. This blend creates a tangy, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the pasta and vegetables.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better after the ingredients have had time to marinate. Prepare it a few hours before serving and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld together more deeply.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian-friendly?

No, this specific recipe contains salami and mozzarella, which are not vegetarian. However, you can easily modify the recipe by omitting the salami and using a vegetarian cheese alternative.

• What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape helps hold onto the dressing and catches small ingredients. However, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne would also work well in this recipe.

Why Italian Pasta Salad Stays a Favorite

• This pasta salad turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
• No complex cooking skills required – even beginner cooks can nail this recipe with simple steps and minimal kitchen expertise.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults with its vibrant mix of ingredients.
• Swap out meats, add different vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for any dietary need.

What’s in Italian Pasta Salad

• Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the dressing in every bite.

• Salami: A flavorful Italian cured meat that adds a rich, savory dimension to the salad.
• Mozzarella Pearls: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a delightful milky contrast to the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that brings a classic Italian flavor to the dish.

• Cucumber, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Olives: Crisp and colorful vegetables that create a vibrant and refreshing mix.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean flavor and attractive green color to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Smooth base that creates a light and tangy foundation for the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic kick to balance the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a zesty and slightly sharp note to the dressing.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings authentic Italian flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the dressing.
• Sugar: Helps to balance the acidity in the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the overall taste.

Making Italian Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add rotini pasta and cook until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Allow pasta to cool and drain excess moisture.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Italian seasoning
• Sugar
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Let the dressing sit briefly to allow flavors to develop.

Step 3: Prepare Salad Ingredients

• Salami
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Red onions
• Olives
• Mozzarella pearls
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Step 4: Combine and Dress

Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Add all prepared ingredients.

Pour dressing over the mixture.

Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula, ensuring even coating.

Make sure each ingredient is well distributed throughout the salad.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This allows flavors to meld and creates a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering.

Serve cold and enjoy the burst of Italian-inspired flavors.

Tips for Italian Pasta Salad Perfection

• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring each noodle remains separate and perfectly al dente.
• Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad, allowing herbs and garlic to release their full aromatic potential and create a more robust taste profile.
• Make this salad a day in advance to let flavors meld together, which intensifies the overall taste and makes meal planning easier for busy days.
• Swap salami for grilled chicken or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the salad's delicious Italian-inspired essence.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano just before serving to preserve their bright flavor and prevent wilting, keeping the salad looking and tasting vibrant.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Italian Pasta Salad, blending crisp vegetables with tangy dressing and perfectly al dente pasta. Fresh herbs and zesty ingredients create a light, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings and picnic tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 10 ounces (284 grams) salami (chopped into 1/4 inch pieces)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls
• 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (diced)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup English cucumber (quartered and sliced)
• 1/2 cup red onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup parsley (chopped)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) black olives (drained and sliced)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot at high heat until rolling bubbles appear. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Drain pasta using a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk ingredients thoroughly until mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated. Allow dressing to rest momentarily for flavor development.
3. Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine cooled pasta with salami, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and mozzarella pearls. Distribute shredded parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley throughout the mixture for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Drizzle prepared dressing over pasta and vegetable combination. Gently fold ingredients using a large spoon or spatula, ensuring comprehensive and even coating. Rotate bowl while mixing to guarantee uniform distribution of flavors. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to enhance taste profile and allow ingredients to marinate.
5. Serve chilled, presenting a vibrant and refreshing Italian pasta salad that promises delightful textures and robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Boil rotini just until al dente to maintain a firm texture, ensuring a delightful bite without turning mushy.
• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, creating a crisp, fresh base for the salad.
• Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before mixing to allow ingredients to meld together, intensifying the overall taste profile.
• Easily swap salami for grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the salad’s vibrant Mediterranean essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg