Italian Pasta Salad

This bright and colorful Italian pasta salad is loaded with a rainbow of crisp fresh veggies, salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella pearls then tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.

Why this recipe works

I’m a sucker for Italian starters like fresh Caprese salad and Antipasto, but this Italian pasta salad hits all the right spots with an array of colorful vegetables for crunch and texture alongside tender noodles and tangy dressing.

The versatility this salad brings to the table is unmatched. You can add whatever your heart desires, or stick to the basics and you will still have an incredibly tasty summer salad that’ll fly off out of the bowl into the mouths of your hungry guests.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

PASTA – Use your favorite noodle shape for this recipe. I recommend Rotini or Fusilli. Bow tie (farfalle) is also a great option! Tri-color or regular noodles are both good choices, it all comes down to personal preference. Cook pasta to al dente as the noodles will absorb much of the dressing as it sits, otherwise, it could become mushy. Once cooked to al dente, immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

ADDITIONS – Keep it fresh with loads of colorful crisp additions like red onion, black olives, grape or cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, pepperoncini’s, zucchini, or cucumber. We realize there are a lot of ingredients in this salad. We tried to include as many Italian-inspired items as possible. You do not have to use them all and can eliminate or substitute any of the add-ins however you see fit.

MEAT – Hard salami is our first choice when it comes to Italian pasta salad along with mini pepperoni. For the salami, get a hunk from the deli so you can cube it. Alternatively, sliced hard salami is fine, just cut it into pieces.

CHEESE – Fresh mozzarella pearls can be found at most grocery stores in a small tub in the cheese section. If you can’t seem to find them, you can easily cube a block of mozzarella cheese instead.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. You want the pasta al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, chop your vegetables.
3. Combine all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add salami, pepperoni, parmesan cheese, mozzarella balls, basil, and Italian parsley. Stir gently to combine with vegetables.
5. In another bowl, stir cooked pasta with 2/3 of the salad dressing.
6. Combine pasta with the vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Stir to coat well. Use remaining dressing if desired.
7. Can be served right away, but we like to chill it for an hour or two first. You can also chill it overnight in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes! You can make your Italian pasta salad the night before a party or the morning of which allows the dressing to meld with the pasta and veggies. When doing so, I would suggest only adding 2/3 of the dressing before storing in the fridge overnight, then adding the other 1/3 just before serving.

Store your pasta salad in an air-tight container (I love using these mixing bowls that come with air-tight lids) or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, this salad is perfect to have alongside lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

Italian pasta salad is good for just about any occasion. Most notably for potlucks, summer parties, and holiday gatherings but it’s also a good option for meal prepping.

Serve chilled alongside other cookout staples like ribs, burgers, brats, or other grilled meats. You can portion them into individual serving cups for bridal showers or baby showers, or add a serving spoon for guests to help themselves.

More Summer Salad Recipes

• Corn Salad
• Fruit Salad
• Spaghetti Salad
• Summer Pasta Salad
• Mom’s Potato Salad
• Nana’s Macaroni Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad

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