If you’re dreaming of a dish that bursts with color, crunch, and fresh flavor, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender rotini noodles mingling with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and creamy mozzarella, all draped in zesty Italian dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a potluck with friends, or an easy weeknight dinner, this salad delivers big on flavor and even bigger on good vibes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is how each ingredient brings something special to the table—literally! From the chewy pasta to the tangy dressing, every element is essential for the perfect balance of taste, texture, and those signature Italian colors we all love.

Rotini Pasta (12 ounces): The twists in rotini are perfect for catching all the flavorful dressing and veggies.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): These juicy little bursts of sweetness add gorgeous color and freshness.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds a cool, crisp crunch that makes every bite refreshing.
Bell Pepper (1 cup, diced, any color): For sweetness and a pop of vibrant color—use red, yellow, or orange for variety.
Red Onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Delivers a sharp bite and a beautiful purple hue.
Black Olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Brings a savory, briny note that balances the salad.
Mozzarella Balls or Cubes (3/4 cup): Creamy and mild, they soak up the dressing and add irresistible richness.
Pepperoni or Salami (1/2 cup, sliced, optional): For a little meaty kick—totally optional, but so good if you love a classic Italian touch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup): Adds nutty, salty depth to every forkful.
Italian Dressing (1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade): The zippy, herby backbone of this salad—use your favorite kind or whip up a homemade batch.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of green for an extra-fresh finish and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the rotini pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water, following the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step is key because you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture once it’s mixed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also keeps the noodles from sticking together, making your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe extra appealing.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Mix-Ins

While the pasta cools, get all your veggies and other mix-ins ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, slice the red onion and olives, and cube or halve the mozzarella. If you’re using pepperoni or salami, slice it up now. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture, so don’t skip on the prep—it makes every bite interesting!

Step 3: Combine and Dress

Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl, then add all your chopped veggies, mozzarella, and pepperoni or salami if you’re using it. Drizzle the Italian dressing evenly over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated. This is where all the flavors start to meld together, creating that signature taste you expect from a great Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss so the cheese and herbs are well distributed. They add both flavor and a gorgeous finishing touch, making your salad look as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to blend and intensify. Before serving, give it another toss and taste to see if it needs an extra splash of dressing or a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, dig in!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a handful of baby arugula can really elevate your Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. If you want to get a little fancy, try topping it with a few extra mozzarella balls or a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is super versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a simple crusty bread. For a picnic or potluck, serve it alongside other cold salads, like a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw, to create a colorful and crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go portions at a party, or pile it high on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves for a family-style feast. You can even tuck it into pita pockets or serve it over greens for a fresh, Italian-inspired lunch bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually gets better as it sits, since the flavors have even more time to mingle. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While the salad is best enjoyed fresh or after a day in the fridge, freezing isn’t recommended. The veggies and pasta can lose their texture and become watery once thawed, so stick to making it fresh for the best results.

Reheating

This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to refresh it, simply add a splash of extra Italian dressing and toss well before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe a few hours ahead (or even the night before) gives all the flavors more time to blend. Just add a bit more dressing before serving if it seems a little dry.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even blanched green beans are all delicious additions that work well in this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.

Can I make it vegetarian or gluten-free?

Of course! For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the pepperoni or salami. For gluten-free, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—the rest of the recipe stays the same.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Rotini is classic for this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe because it holds the dressing and mix-ins so well, but bowties, penne, or fusilli are all great alternatives if you have them on hand.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving for the brightest flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe soon—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together and makes every meal feel like a celebration. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Give it a try, and watch it disappear at your next gathering!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and pepperoni tossed in Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as an easy make-ahead meal with vibrant flavors that meld beautifully after chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

12 ounces rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced

Cheese and Meat

3/4 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami (optional)

Dressings and Garnishes

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add Vegetables and Cheese: To the bowl with pasta, add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls or cubes, and pepperoni if using. Toss gently to combine.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to evenly coat everything. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or dressing.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead—just refresh it with an extra splash of Italian dressing before serving.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired to accommodate dietary preferences.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or salami and add extra veggies or cheese.
Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from sticking together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
Cuisine: Italian-American