Fresh Italian pasta salad recipe that is a classic crowd-pleaser dish no matter the occasion! Tender pasta, crisp veggies, savory meat, and Parmesan cheese tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
Try my other pasta salads like my Viral Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad or my Caprese pasta salad.
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
There is nothing better than a hearty bowl of Italian pasta salad! This salad is easy, hearty, and always a hit no matter the occasion. Tender pasta, fresh veggies, meat and Parmesan cheese tossed in a zesty dressing. Whether you need a side dish for your next summer BBQ, meal prep or for weeknight dinner, this hearty pasta salad recipe is the perfect choice!
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Pasta– I love using tri-color rotini pasta for this salad. You can use any type of short pasta for this salad; elbow, rotini, shells, penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even cavatappi pasta. Either regular, protein or gluten free pasta can be used.
- Tomato– You want to use cherry tomatoes for this pasta salad! You can also use Roma tomatoes or Campari tomatoes if that is all you have on hand.
- Onion– I recommend using red onions when making this Italian pasta salad. You can also use sweet onion or leave the onion out completely.
- Peppers– Any color bell pepper can be used for this salad! You can use regular or mini bell peppers. You can even use a variety for more color.
- Meat– You can use salami or pepperoni for this classic Italian pasta salad. I love using Genoa salami from the deli counter. You can also use dry aged salami.
- Olives– Adding olives to this pasta salad is totally optional! Either black or kalamata olives can be used!
- Banana Peppers– Either banana peppers or pepperoncini’s are great in this salad! If you love a little spice, I totally recommend using pepperoncini’s.
- Seasonings– Since the Italian dressing is what gives this salad the key flavors, all you need is salt and pepper for additional flavoring.
- Dressing– You can use either homemade or store-bought Italian dressing. I love using the Wish Bone Italian dressing. For a lighter version, use sugar free dressing. You can also swap the Italian dressing for Olive Garden dressing if preferred.
- Greens– I love adding fresh chopped herbs to this salad for added color and flavor! You can use either parsley or cilantro. Adding fresh herbs is totally optional.
- Cheese– For extra flavor, I love adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese to this Italian pasta salad.
HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Have this colorful, flavorful, effortless salad ready in no time!
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside and allow the pasta to cool.
- As the pasta is cooling, prepare all the fresh ingredients for the salad.
- In a large serving bowl, add the pasta, veggies, and meat. Pour the salad dressing over the ingredients and then toss until fully combined.
- Add fresh greens, grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to the salad and toss again to combine.
- Serve immediately or for the best results, chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and grated parmesan cheese and serve.
PASTA SALAD INGREDIENT IDEAS
You can totally have fun with the different ingredients that you add to this Italian salad! Here are some other classic ingredients that go great in this salad:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Red Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Olives
- Banana Peppers
- Pepperoncini’s
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Mozzarella Balls
- Feta Cheese
- Chicken
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
Yes! You can totally swap protein pasta or gluten free pasta.
Yes, you want to cool the pasta for at least 10 minutes, for the best results have the pasta be fully cooled.
This pasta salad is a great make ahead salad! Make up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Just toss and if need be, add some extra dressing before serving.
No need to worry, this is totally normal! The pasta absorbs the dressing as it sets. You want to add a little more dressing to the salad and toss right before serving.
This hearty Italian pasta salad will keep when properly stored in the fridge for 4-5 days!
OTHER SALAD RECIPES-
Check out these other delicious and easy salads!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb tri color rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced or chopped
- 6 oz genoa or hard salami chopped
- 1/3 cup black olives halved
- 1/3 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini’s
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper or to taste
- 3 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain water and rinse pasta with cold water. Set it aside and allow it to cool.1 lb tri color rotini pasta
- In a large serving bowl, add cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, chopped onions, cubed bell peppers, chopped salami, halved olives, and banana peppers.1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper , diced or chopped, 6 oz genoa or hard salami, chopped, 1/3 cup black olives, halved, 1/3 cup banana peppers , or pepperoncini’s
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss until well combined. Add salt, pepper, cilantro and freshly grated parmesan and toss again.1 cup Italian dressing, ½ tsp salt, or to taste, ½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste, 3 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped, 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Top with additional freshly chopped greens and grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy. (For the best results, store it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.)
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