This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish perfect for summer! With fresh veggies, zesty Italian dressing, and tasty pasta, it’s super simple to whip up.
I love bringing this salad to picnics. It’s refreshing and everyone gobbles it up! Plus, it’s great to make ahead and chill—less stress and more fun in the sun!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tri-color rotini adds a nice pop of color. If you can’t find rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great!
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and cucumber are fresh choices! If you prefer, use grape tomatoes or even sweet bell peppers for extra crunch.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a chewy texture. For a twist, try Feta for a tangy flavor or a vegan cheese option if needed.
Meat: Pepperoni is fun for extra flavor, but you can leave it out for a vegetarian version or substitute with turkey pepperoni.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key! Follow these steps:
- Fill a pot with water and add a good amount of salt to season it.
- Bring water to a rolling boil, then add pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Check a minute early!
- Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
This simple technique helps keep your pasta firm and perfect for salads! Enjoy your pasta salad on a hot summer day!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or cubed salami
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Total time: around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s quick to mix up and perfect for making ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Make sure to drain it well so it doesn’t get soggy!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and your choice of pepperoni or salami. Don’t forget the mozzarella cheese and freshly chopped parsley for that extra flavor!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the salad starts to shine!
4. Season and Chill:
Taste the salad and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time lets all the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled and ready to go, you can serve the salad straight from the fridge or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing dish that’s great for summer outings, picnics, or a light meal. Enjoy your delicious Italian pasta salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any ingredients you love—like artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, or spinach. Just keep the flavors balanced, and enjoy getting creative!
Should I Serve This Pasta Salad Cold or Warm?
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. Chilling helps enhance the flavors, making it a perfect refreshing dish for warm summer days!
