Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a zesty, colorful, and refreshing dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. It features al dente pasta, crisp veggies, savory meats, and a tangy Italian dressing, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with a medley of fresh flavors and textures. It typically features al dente pasta tossed with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, creating a colorful array that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Cubes of tangy cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, along with briny olives or salami slices, bring a delightful Italian touch.

Italian Pasta Salad: Ingredients & Substitution

Key Ingredients

Pasta:

• Common Choice: Rotini, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie) pasta, as their shapes hold dressing well.
• Substitutions: Opt for gluten-free pasta if needed, or try whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for added nutrition.

Vegetables:

• Common Choices: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, and black olives.
• Substitutions: Sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, green olives for a mild alternative, or zucchini for a fresh twist.

Cheese:

• Common Choice: Mozzarella pearls or cubes.
• Substitutions: Try crumbled feta for a tangy kick or grated Parmesan for a nuttier taste.

Protein (Optional):

• Common Choices: Salami slices, pepperoni, or grilled chicken.
• Substitutions: Add chickpeas, tofu, or even canned tuna for a different protein source.

Fresh Herbs:

• Common Choices: Basil and parsley.
• Substitutions: Use cilantro for an unexpected twist, or dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available.

Dressing:

• Common Choice: A vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Substitutions: Use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter profile or Greek yogurt for a

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Recipe by StephenCourse: Salads

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a zesty, colorful, and refreshing dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. It features al dente pasta, crisp veggies, savory meats, and a tangy Italian dressing, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• ½ cup black olives (sliced)

• ½ cup mozzarella balls (halved)

• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)

• ¼ cup pepperoni slices (or salami)

• ½ cup Italian dressing

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta
  Boil a pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente.
  Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
• Prepare the Ingredients
  Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
  Slice the black olives and red onion.
  Chop the pepperoni or salami into bite-sized pieces.
• Make the Dressing
  In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing with grated parmesan and chopped basil (optional).
• Assemble the Salad
  In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and pepperoni.
• Add the Dressing & Toss
  Pour the Italian dressing over the salad.
  Toss everything together until well coated.
• Chill & Serve
  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
  Garnish with extra parmesan and basil before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Choice: Avoid long noodles; short cuts work best for salads.
  Vegetable Variations: Zucchini or artichokes add Mediterranean vibes.
  Add Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for texture.
  Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.