This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor! Made with pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, salami, and Italian dressing, it’s the perfect cold pasta salad recipe for BBQs, meal prep, lunch, or dinner.
A classic, crowd-pleasing pasta salad loaded with colorful veggies, cheese, and savory Italian flavors tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella cubes or mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Salami or pepperoni
- Grilled chicken
- Pepperoncini
- Fresh basil
- Artichoke hearts
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water. - Prepare dressing
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon, salt, and pepper. - Assemble salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, olives, mozzarella, onion, and Parmesan. - Toss & chill
Pour dressing over salad and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Quick Tips
- Make it ahead — flavor improves after chilling.
- Use bottled Italian dressing for an even faster version.
- Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Mix a little mayo or pesto into the dressing.
Mediterranean Twist
Add feta cheese, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
Protein-Packed
Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas.
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