Looking for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather or gatherings? The Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful recipe that combines fresh ingredients with a zesty dressing. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Why Make This Recipe
This pasta salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a main course. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and cheese, making it a wholesome meal choice. Plus, it is quick to prepare, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. The mix of textures and flavors keeps it interesting and delicious!
How to Make Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta (1 box)
- ½ cup hard Italian salami (chopped or thinly-sliced)
- 1 pint Glory tomatoes (cherry-type tomatoes, quartered)
- ¼ cup minced red onions
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (8 ounces pearls, halved)
- ½ cup diced Peperoncini
- ¼ cup pitted (sliced black or green olives)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette) (See note for alternate dressing)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta to al-dente, following the package directions.
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking; shake off any excess liquid.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and pour the cooked pasta onto it. Let the pasta dry for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, salami, tomatoes, onions, mozzarella, peperoncini, olives, and basil. Stir well to mix.
- Pour ¾ cup of Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container until ready to serve. Before serving, add the remaining ¼ cup of dressing and toss to combine again.
- Enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with grilled meats or can be a standalone dish. You can also garnish it with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
How to Store Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If needed, you can add a little extra dressing before serving to refresh the flavors.
Tips to Make Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the pasta thoroughly to cool it down and prevent it from sticking together.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste preference.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors even more.
Variation
You can easily customize this pasta salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even cooked chicken for extra protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While rotini works great, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will also work well.
2. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
3. How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
You can keep leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a little extra dressing if it seems dry.
Enjoy making and sharing this Classic Italian Pasta Salad with friends and family – it’s sure to be a hit!
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta (1 box) Cook according to package instructions
- ½ cup hard Italian salami (chopped or thinly-sliced)
- 1 pint Glory tomatoes (cherry-type tomatoes, quartered)
- ¼ cup minced red onions
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (8 ounces pearls, halved)
- ½ cup diced Peperoncini
- ¼ cup pitted (sliced black or green olives)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette) Reserve ¼ cup for tossing before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta to al-dente, following the package directions.
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking; shake off any excess liquid.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and pour the cooked pasta onto it. Let the pasta dry for 10-15 minutes.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, salami, tomatoes, onions, mozzarella, peperoncini, olives, and basil. Stir well to mix.
- Pour ¾ cup of Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container until ready to serve. Before serving, add the remaining ¼ cup of dressing and toss to combine again.
