Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is a delicious medley of pasta, vegetables, cheese, and Italian dressing, all perfectly combined to offer the freshest flavors in every bite. Whether served as a side dish or a main, this colorful salad is always a hit.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of Italian pasta salad is it’s simplicity and customization. You can use what’s available in your kitchen or experiment with new ingredients. Here’s a list of the classic ingredients for the ultimate Italian pasta salad:
Pasta: Choose bite-sized pasta like rotini, elbows, fusilli, or penne. These shapes hold the dressing beautifully and allow for an even distribution of flavor.
Vegetables: Fresh and crisp veggies are essential. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives bring a refreshing crunch and a burst of color.
Cheese: Cubed mozzarella or provolone is the ideal cheese for this salad. It provides a creamy texture and subtle richness.
Italian Dressing: Store-bought or homemade, Italian dressing adds the tangy, zesty flavor that binds the salad together. My homemade dressing includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijion mustard, garlic powder, and, Italian seasoning
Herbs & Seasoning: Fresh basil or parsley elevate the dish and provide a burst of flavor in every bite.
Instructions
Making Italian pasta salad is easy and quick, with minimal prep time. Follow these steps to create the perfect bowl of goodness:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Make sure the pasta is al dente, as it will absorb the dressing better and hold its shape in the salad.
Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop your vegetables and cheese. Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions, and cube the mozzarella.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste based on your preference for acidity or herby flavor. If you’re short on time, your favorite store-bought Italian dressing will work too!
Combine Everything: Once the pasta has cooled, toss it with your chopped veggies and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
Let it Chill: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the pasta time to soak up the dressing.
Tips for Customizing Your Italian Pasta Salad
Add Proteins: You can turn this salad into a more filling meal by adding rotisserie or grilled chicken, salami, pepperoni, or even shrimp. This adds extra protein and makes the dish more satisfying.
Vegan Version: Skip the cheese or replace it with a plant-based option like vegan mozzarella or feta.
Extra Flavor: Throw in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for an added layer of Mediterranean flavor.
Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can be added to the salad or sprinkled on top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Why You’ll Love Italian Pasta Salad
Quick and Easy: Once the pasta is cooked, it’s a matter of chopping and mixing. No cooking skills required, making it the perfect beginner-friendly dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Pasta salad only gets better with time. You can prepare it ahead of a party or family gathering, making it a stress-free option for busy days.
Customizable: You can switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or whatever you have in your pantry. The endless possibilities make it a reliable recipe for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, bringing it to a potluck, or just enjoying a refreshing meal, Italian pasta salad is always a hit. I love to make it on a Sunday and have it for lunch throughout the week.
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz of uncooked pasta of choice
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups of cucumbers, sliced and halved
- 1 sweet pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, quartered and sliced
- ½ cup of black or green olives, sliced
- 1 cup of mozzarella, cubed
- 1 ½ cups of Italian dressing, store-bought or homemade
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 1 cup of olive oil
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to the package directions. Then drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop your veggies and cheese.
- Combine and whisk all the ingredients for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, veggies, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
