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Italian Pasta Salad

This easy Italian Pasta Salad recipe is so fresh and filling, with a zest dressing. It's perfect for a make-ahead lunch, picnic, or potluck.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • ▢1 pound rotini pasta uncooked
  • ▢8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls or chopped into pieces if you can't find pearls
  • ▢8 ounces salami pepperoni, or beef summer sausage
  • ▢6 ounces black olives pitted sliced
  • ▢1/2 red onion diced
  • ▢1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes 224g, halved
  • ▢2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley chopped
  • ▢1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 50g
  • ▢pepperoncinis sliced (optional)
  • Italian Salad Dressing or substitute 1 ½ cups bottled zesty Italian dressing:
  • ▢3/4 cup olive oil 150g
  • ▢1/4 cup red wine vinegar 58g
  • ▢2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • ▢2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • ▢2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • ▢1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ▢1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • ▢1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ▢1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ▢1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Make the salad dressing by combining all ingredients. Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.
  • ¾ cup olive oil,¼ cup red wine vinegar,2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes,2 teaspoons dried minced onion,2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice,1 teaspoon dried basil,1 teaspoon Dried oregano,1 teaspoon garlic salt,1 teaspoon granulated sugar,¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain water and rinse pasta with cold water. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • Combine: Add pasta to a large bowl and pour half of the salad dressing over it. Toss to combine. Add remaining ingredients and dressing and toss everything to combine.
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese,8 ounces salami,6 ounces black olives,½ red onion,1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes,2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley,½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese,pepperoncinis
  • Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer, before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: Italian Pasta Salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Variations:
Add Meat/Protein: Add cooked chopped ham or chicken.
Add Veggies like chopped cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrot, or cooked sautéed veggies, like zucchini, asparagus, broccoli.
Meatless Italian Pasta Salad: omit the meat out and add extra veg.
Swap the Noodles: Use farfalle, penne, or any favorite bite-size pasta.
Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free bite size pasta noodles. We have had great luck with the Barilla rotini pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 664kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 1559mg
Potassium: 384mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 557IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 243mg
Iron: 2mg