Classic Italian Pasta Salad

The Classic Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re heading to a picnic, planning a BBQ, or just want a flavorful dish to meal prep for the week. With its colorful mix of rotini, fresh vegetables, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and bright Italian flavors in every bite.

Tossed with a zesty Italian dressing and finished with fresh parsley, this refreshing side dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed hit for any gathering. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve, and enjoy the burst of freshness it brings to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

3. In a small bowl or jar, mix Italian dressing with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake well.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.

5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.

6. Just before serving, toss again and garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Classic Italian Pasta Salad – A Perfect Blend of Freshness and Flavor

Italian pasta salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a vibrant celebration of color, texture, and bold Mediterranean flavors. This dish is beloved for its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to satisfy both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, packing for a picnic, or prepping meals for the week ahead, this pasta salad recipe fits the bill.

The beauty of a classic Italian pasta salad lies in its balance of ingredients. From al dente pasta to juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and briny olives, every bite delivers a flavorful punch. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and finished with cheese and herbs, this dish showcases what Italian cuisine does best is turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to adore this pasta salad. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. It’s also ideal for feeding a crowd, making it a reliable go-to for parties, potlucks, and casual dinners. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re keeping it vegetarian or adding a protein like grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas, this salad welcomes your creativity.

Another reason this salad is so popular? Its bright and fresh flavor profile. The sharpness of the Italian dressing pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Add in the saltiness of the olives, the crunch of cucumbers and onions, and the depth of Parmesan, and you’ve got a dish that checks all the boxes.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Rotini Pasta: Rotini is the perfect pasta choice for salads because its spiral shape holds onto dressing and bits of vegetables, ensuring every bite is flavorful. You can also substitute it with farfalle, penne, or fusilli depending on what you have on hand.

Fresh Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion bring crunch, color, and natural sweetness. They also add nutritional value, packing the dish with vitamins and fiber.

Olives: Sliced black olives introduce a rich, briny note that balances the brightness of the dressing and vegetables. If you prefer a more intense flavor, kalamata olives are a great alternative.

Mozzarella Pearls & Parmesan: The mozzarella pearls add a mild, creamy texture, while the grated Parmesan brings a sharper, savory edge. Combined, they create an irresistible cheesy contrast that makes the salad extra satisfying.

Italian Dressing: This is the flavor powerhouse of the salad. A mix of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, it binds everything together. You can use a store-bought version for convenience, or prepare a homemade one with ingredients like red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and a touch of honey.

Herbs & Spices: Garlic powder, oregano, and freshly chopped parsley enhance the Mediterranean flair of this dish. Feel free to experiment with basil, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

How to Customize Your Italian Pasta Salad

One of the best aspects of pasta salad is how flexible it is. Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, sliced pepperoni, salami, or prosciutto to make it heartier.

• Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Use a vegan Italian dressing or make one using olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.

• Switch the Pasta: Try using whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free varieties to meet dietary preferences.

• More Veggies: Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach for even more color and nutrients.

• Add Legumes: For a plant-based protein boost, include canned chickpeas or white beans.

When and How to Serve

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or even a main course. It’s especially popular during the warmer months due to its chilled nature and vibrant flavors. Serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken skewers or steak, or pair it with seafood like shrimp or salmon for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

If you’re entertaining, this salad holds up well on a buffet table. Since it’s served cold or at room temperature, it doesn’t require reheating, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings.

You can also make it part of your weekly meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they marinate, so it’s a great make-ahead option.

Health Benefits

While indulgent and flavorful, this pasta salad can also be part of a balanced diet. Packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains (if using whole wheat pasta), and healthy fats from olive oil, it provides nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. By adjusting ingredients like cheese and dressing, you can tailor it to your nutritional needs without sacrificing taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep the pasta salad fresh:

• Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• If preparing ahead of time, consider leaving out the cheese and fresh herbs until just before serving to maintain their freshness.

• If the salad seems dry after storing, drizzle in a little more dressing before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing your pasta salad with the right beverage or entrée elevates the experience. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Sparkling water with lemon or a homemade iced tea also complements the flavors nicely.

• Entrees: Serve with grilled chicken, lemon-herb salmon, marinated tofu, or a slice of crusty focaccia for a complete Mediterranean meal.

• Soups: Try alongside a light minestrone or tomato basil soup for a comforting combo.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Salt the pasta water: It’s the only chance to season the pasta itself.

• Cool pasta completely before adding the other ingredients to prevent melting the cheese or wilting the vegetables.

• Don’t skimp on dressing: Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so you may need to add more before serving.

• Chop ingredients uniformly: This ensures every forkful includes a good mix of ingredients.

Conclusion

The Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a timeless favorite that brings together the best of Mediterranean ingredients in a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Its beautiful presentation, flexibility, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a must-have recipe for any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or preparing a quick lunch for yourself, this pasta salad is guaranteed to deliver on flavor and simplicity every time.

So go ahead and make it your own, serve it up, and enjoy every delicious bite of this Italian-inspired staple.