If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and fuss-free dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe has you covered. It brings together tender rotini pasta with bright cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, savory salami, and melty mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that ties every bite together beautifully. Whether you need a quick side for a weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleaser for a picnic, or a potluck star, this salad is bursting with colors, textures, and that warm Italian charm that makes every mouthful a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to balance taste, texture, and color. Each component adds its own personality to the dish, making it as tempting to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The perfect spiral shape to hold onto dressing and flavorful bits without getting soggy.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add juicy pops of sweetness and vibrant red hues.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Providing a refreshing crunch that brightens the salad.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: A hint of sharpness that balances the creamy and salty elements.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Bringing a briny depth that’s signature to Italian salads.
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes: Soft, creamy bites that melt in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped: Adds savory, slightly spicy richness; easily omitted for a vegetarian version.
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade): The flavor powerhouse that dresses the salad beautifully with herbs and tang.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil: Fresh herbs lift the salad with their fragrant, green notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning it has a slight bite without being mushy. Once finished, drain it well and rinse under cold water. This cools the pasta immediately, stops the cooking process, and helps prevent stickiness, giving you that ideal texture for tossing into your salad.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Next, grab a large bowl and toss together the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and the chopped salami or pepperoni. This vibrant mix of veggies and meats sets the stage for the full flavor explosion that is to come.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour in the Italian dressing—feel free to use your favorite store-bought version or whip up a quick homemade batch with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Toss everything together so that every piece is evenly coated in that tangy, herby goodness. This step bonds all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad along with freshly chopped parsley or basil. The cheese adds a savory richness, while the herbs give a fresh lift. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste—small adjustments here can transform your salad from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets the ingredients marry and the dressing soak into every bite. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute any settled dressing and herbs.
How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or more fresh herbs right before serving adds a touch of elegance and freshness. You can also add a few whole cherry tomatoes or basil leaves on top to make the presentation pop and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic side for barbecues, picnics, and casual get-togethers where lighter, flavorful dishes shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for individual portions. Alternatively, layering it with mixed greens in a clear glass bowl shows off its colorful layers and makes for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing pasta salad isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and taste. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a day or two after preparation.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, it’s best enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator. If you prefer it less cold, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving—no reheating needed!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge without losing freshness.
What can I substitute for salami if I want a vegetarian option?
Simply omit the salami or pepperoni. To add a similar depth of flavor, consider tossing in some marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the dressing, penne, farfalle, or fusilli will work wonderfully as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free pasta. Just swap the regular rotini for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go!
How long will the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for about 24 hours. Beyond that, the texture of the vegetables may start to soften.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color and flavor to your meal table without a ton of fuss. I really encourage you to make it your own with your favorite veggies or additions, then sit back and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or any casual meal. It features al dente rotini pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and savory salami, all coated in tangy Italian dressing and topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Simple to prepare and served chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Dairy and Meat
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped
Dressing and Garnish
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta then add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, and chopped salami or pepperoni.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad, followed by the chopped fresh parsley or basil. Lightly season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss the salad once more to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator without losing flavor or texture.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami or pepperoni.
- Feel free to customize by adding extras such as artichoke hearts, bell peppers, banana peppers, or other favorite salad veggies for more variety and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
