This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish, fresh, flavorful, and make-ahead friendly. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. Loaded with crisp vegetables, savory salami, mozzarella pearls, and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing, it's a dish you'll make on repeat.
When summer hits and the temps soar past 100°F, I’m all about meals that are quick, easy, and don’t require much time near a hot stove. I try to keep oven use to a minimum to avoid heating up the house, and I lean into recipes that can be made ahead or served cold. That’s where this delicious pasta salad comes in—it’s the kind of dish I like to whip up first thing in the morning and stash in the fridge for later.
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One thing you will find with this recipe, and most pasta salad recipes, is that it is easily customizable. If you don't have an ingredient, or don't like some of the ingredients, change them to make it your own. I like to think of recipes as guidelines. Very rarely do I follow them to a T.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rotini Pasta: The spirals hold onto the dressing beautifully. Substitute with penne or fusilli if desired.
- Cucumbers: Use thin-skinned varieties like English cucumbers; peel if the skin is thick.
- Sliced Pickled Pepperoncini Peppers: Provide a tangy crunch. Bell peppers or pickled banana peppers are great alternatives.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness; grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes also work well.
- Black Olives: For a nice briny flavor. Green olives can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Salami: Pepperonis or grilled chicken are suitable substitutes.
- Mozzarella Pearls & Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and nutty elements that tie the salad together. Shredded mozzarella can be substituted.
How To Make Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, salami, mozzarella pearls, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with fresh parsley and basil.
Prep & Storage Tips
This Italian Pasta Salad can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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📖 Recipe
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces rotini cooked
- 1 ½ cups cucumbers quartered
- ½ cup red onion small diced
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 6 ounces black olives halved or sliced
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 cup salami chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- To Taste pepper
Italian Dressing
- 6 ounces olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- To Taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the pasta, cucumbers, onions, peppers, tomatoes, olives and salami. Toss to combine.
- Now add in the mozzarella, parmesan, salt and pepper. Toss to fully combine.
Italian Dressing
- Combine all of the Italian Dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, stir to fully combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Right before serving, give the pasta salad another stir to evenly distribute the dressing and serve. Enjoy!
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