Italian Pasta Salad
A Taste of Italy: Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, savory meats (if you choose!), tangy cheeses, and coated in a zesty, herbaceous Italian dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with texture, and bursts with that irresistible tangy-savory goodness that makes it disappear fast!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a delicious, easy meal prep option, this pasta salad is your answer. It’s simple to assemble, gets even better as the flavors meld, and promises to be a crowd-pleaser every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper, or more to taste
Salad
- 16 oz tricolor rotini noodles
- 8 oz salami chopped
- 1 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing (store bought or homemade – recipe included for homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Dressing:
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Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, combine all of your dressing ingredients.
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Emulsify: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is emulsified (creamy and blended).
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Alternative Methods: Alternatively, you can whisk the dressing together in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, or use a blender or food processor to whirl it until smooth.
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Store: Use the dressing immediately, or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
For the Salad:
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Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite).
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Rinse & Drain: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
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Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all of your remaining salad ingredients.
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Toss & Chill: Toss all ingredients together gently until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing (if adding dressing at this stage, or if previously added to the pasta).
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Chill Before Serving: For best flavor development, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Give leftovers a good stir and add more dressing if necessary to refresh flavors.
Keywords: Side Dish, Salad, Pasta Salad, Pasta, Italian
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