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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Must-Try

Experience the vibrant flavors of Italian Pasta Salad, a colorful and satisfying dish perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini can substitute with any pasta shape
  • 6 ounces Hard Salami substitute with pepperoni or turkey salami if desired
  • 1 pint Grape Tomatoes replace with cherry tomatoes if unavailable
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Kalamata olives may be used as a substitution
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers preferably yellow and green; any color works
  • 1 small Red Onion green onions could be substituted for a milder taste
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Pearls substitute with cubed mozzarella if pearls are not available
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Pecorino Romano can be a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley enhances freshness and aroma
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil enhances freshness and aroma
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil any neutral oil can be an alternative
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice vinegar can be used as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can serve as an alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard yellow mustard can be used in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon Honey maple syrup can be a suitable alternative
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic garlic powder can replace fresh garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste or omit if not desired

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the rotini according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rotini.
  2. Spread the drained rotini onto a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  3. Chop the hard salami, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Gather mozzarella pearls and herbs.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mustard, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini with the chopped salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella, grated parmesan, parsley, and basil.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, then add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust consistency with more reserved pasta water if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 14gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It's not recommended to freeze this pasta salad as it can affect the texture.

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