Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, colorful, and packed with classic Italian ingredients in every bite. Made with rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, olives, cheese, and zesty Italian dressing, this easy cold pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, meal prep, holidays, and easy family dinners.
It’s one of those classic pasta salad recipes everyone loves because it’s simple, delicious, and loaded with fresh flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for summer gatherings or making it ahead for lunches during the week, this easy Italian pasta salad is always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy make-ahead recipe
- Packed with fresh flavor
- Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
- Quick and simple ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly side dish
Here’s What You Need
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How To Make Italian Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, pepperoni, and olives.
Cube the mozzarella cheese if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella cheese, red onion, cucumber, and pepperoni.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Serve cold.
Tips For The Best Italian Pasta Salad
- Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking
- Chill before serving for better flavor
- Toss with extra dressing before serving if needed
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture
- Rotini holds dressing perfectly
Easy Add-Ins
- Salami
- Banana peppers
- Parmesan cheese
- Bell peppers
- Fresh parsley
- Spinach
- Chickpeas
What To Serve With Italian Pasta Salad
- Burgers
- BBQ chicken
- Grilled steak
- Sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Pizza
- Cookout meals
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Stir in a little extra Italian dressing before serving leftovers if the pasta absorbs too much dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
What pasta works best?
Rotini works best because it holds the dressing well, but bowtie or penne also work great.
Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the pepperoni for a vegetarian version.
Jennie’s Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad is fresh, zesty, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. Packed with rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, cheese, olives, and flavorful Italian dressing, it’s the perfect classic pasta salad recipe for BBQs, potlucks, summer gatherings, meal prep, and family dinners. Simple ingredients and bold flavor make this easy side dish a recipe everyone will come back to again and again.
