This colorful Italian Pasta Salad is packed with delicious flavors! With fun shapes of pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dish that makes you smile every bite.
It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks! I love how easy it is to whip up, and you can mix in your favorite add-ins. Leftovers? Yes, please! They taste even better the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the dressing and ingredients. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle will also work well.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a nice sweetness. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, halved regular tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be great alternatives. You could even use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Green Bell Pepper: Fresh and crunchy! If you’re looking for something milder, use a yellow or orange pepper instead. Or, you could skip the bell peppers altogether if you’re not a fan.
Black Olives: They provide a nice briny flavor. If you’re not keen on olives, capers can add a similar salty punch. Alternatively, you can use green olives for a different taste.
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): These little balls add creaminess to the salad. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella or even feta cheese can be great substitutes.
Salami: It gives a delicious savory element. If you want a vegetarian version, you can swap it out for roasted vegetables or add some chickpeas for protein.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Flavors Are Just Right?
Getting the flavors to meld together is essential. After cooking the pasta, make sure you rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps the pasta keep its texture and not become mushy.
- Mix all your fresh ingredients right after cooling the pasta. This keeps everything crisp!
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper after you mix in the Italian dressing. Sometimes, just a pinch more can make a big difference.
- Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes lets the dressing soak in and enhances the flavors. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup salami, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook the pasta, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. This gives the flavors a chance to mix together nicely. Altogether, the whole process takes about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should be cooked but still have a bit of firmness). Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until cooled. This will stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from getting too soft.
2. Prepare the Veggies and Salami:
While your pasta cools, it’s time to prepare your veggies and other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes (halved), diced green bell pepper, sliced black olives, halved mozzarella balls, chopped salami, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Make sure everything is mixed well!
3. Add the Dressing:
Now, pour the Italian dressing over your pasta salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. This is where the flavors really start to come together!
4. Season and Chill:
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to incorporate the seasonings. Next, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors of the salad meld beautifully.
5. Serve:
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to refresh it. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can serve this pasta salad chilled straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature if you prefer. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy substitute that works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Salad?
You can get creative with your veggies! Consider adding ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers in different colors, artichoke hearts, or even cooked asparagus for an extra crunch and flavor. Make sure any added veggies are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
This delicious pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the dressing absorbs too much, simply add a splash more before serving to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Simply omit the salami and mozzarella, and add more veggies or beans like chickpeas or black beans for protein. You can also use a vegan-friendly Italian dressing to maintain the flavors!
