Name: Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: Your New Best Friend!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup mozzarella balls (mini, whole, or halved); 13 cherry or plum tomatoes (tricolor preferred), halved; ½ red onion, medium dice; 1 cup cucumber, sliced and seeds removed; ½ cup black olives; ½ cup parsley, chopped; 10 oz salami, smaller dice; 15 oz pasta (fusilli, rotini, farfalle, or other short pasta); ½ cup bell pepper (red), diced; ½ tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp lemon juice; ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp maple syrup; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Okay, let’s get real – you need this Italian Pasta Salad in your life! It’s vibrant, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu picnics, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, salty salami, and creamy mozzarella all tossed in a tangy, herby dressing. Trust me, you’ll be making this on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights you need something fast and delicious.
Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is a medley of textures and tastes, from the salty salami to the sweet tomatoes and the zesty dressing.
Totally Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it your own signature dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, a BBQ, or just a simple lunch, this salad is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salad

Mozzarella balls: Adds creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Mini is best, but you can halve larger ones!
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring a burst of freshness.
Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch. Don’t skip this, it balances the flavors!
Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, with seeds removed for better texture.
Black olives: Salty and briny, they add a punch of flavor. Green or purple olives work too!
Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, it adds a touch of brightness.
Salami: Salty and savory, the star of the show. Italian sausage or kielbasa are great substitutes!
Pasta: Fusilli, rotini, farfalle, or any pasta with curves to hold the dressing. Don’t use long noodles, the dressing wont stick!
Bell pepper: Red bell pepper for sweetness and balance. It needs to be red, the sweetness is important!

Dressing

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy note.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb, essential for that authentic flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a zingy, refreshing touch.
Olive oil: The base of the dressing, use good quality for the best flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, creamy element.
Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, essential for enhancing all the flavors.

Variations

Veggie Loaded: Add other veggies like artichoke hearts, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Cheesy Dreams: Add crumbled feta or grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, adding salt to the water. Drain and cool. For faster cooling, spread it on a baking sheet!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar or jug and shake well. Let it stand for 15-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prep the Ingredients

Chop all the veggies and salami and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning. For best flavor, chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be slightly firm to the bite.
Cool the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Let the Dressing Sit: Allowing the dressing to sit for a bit helps the flavors to blend and intensify.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

How to Serve

This pasta salad is perfect:

As a side dish: With grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
As a main course: For a light lunch or dinner.
At picnics and BBQs: It travels well and is always a hit.
In a wrap or sandwich: add some lettuce and you have a delicious lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will change.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for the lemon juice if you prefer.

2. Can I make this salad without salami?

Absolutely! You can use grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme would be delicious. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.

4. How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Italian Pasta Salad is a winner, plain and simple! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe. You’ll love it, I promise!

Emily

Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: Your New Best Friend!