Quick Italian Pasta Salad (Perfect for Summer Gatherings)

Looking for a crowd-pleasing pasta salad? This quick Italian pasta salad combines al dente rotini, fresh vegetables, savory cheese, and zesty dressing for the ultimate make-ahead side dish everyone will love!

Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound rotini pasta (tri-color works beautifully)
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• ⅓ cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Italian Dressing:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Looking for a protein boost? Try adding sliced salami or chicken to make this a complete meal!

Tools Used to Make Italian Pasta Salad

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls (large for salad, small for dressing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk for dressing
• Air-tight container for storage

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Don’t overcook – slightly firm pasta holds up better in salads!
2. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prep vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop all your vegetables and herbs to roughly the same size for consistent bites.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until emulsified.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, mozzarella, and all vegetables. Pour the dressing over top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Chill: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. For an extra fresh kick, add herbs just before serving.
7. Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro tip: Reserve a little dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing while chilling!

Variations of Italian Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Style: Add artichoke hearts, feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Protein-Packed: Transform it into a main dish by adding grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas.
• Vegetable Garden: Double up on veggies with broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and bell peppers.
• Creamy Version: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture.
• Pesto Lovers: Replace half the dressing with prepared pesto for incredible herb flavor.

For a completely different pasta salad experience, try my Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a warm, comforting alternative!

Serving Italian Pasta Salad

This versatile pasta salad is perfect for so many occasions:

• As a side dish with grilled meats at summer barbecues
• Packed in containers for picnics or beach days
• As a light lunch with a slice of garlic bread
• At potluck gatherings where it can sit out safely for a while
• Meal prepped for weekday lunches

For a complete meal, pair with Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken or serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad for a perfect summer dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator? When stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything marinates together!

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This is one of those dishes that gets better with time. Make it up to 24 hours in advance, but consider adding the fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for pasta salad? Rotini (spiral pasta) works wonderfully because the grooves catch and hold the dressing. Other great options include farfalle (bow ties), penne, or fusilli.

How can I keep my pasta salad from drying out? Reserve some dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta will absorb dressing while it sits. You can also add a splash of olive oil and vinegar if needed to refresh it.

Is pasta salad healthy? This pasta salad includes plenty of vegetables and can be made healthier by using whole wheat pasta and adding extra veggies. The olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats!

Final Thoughts

This Italian pasta salad brings together all the flavors of summer in one vibrant, easy dish. Whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try it today and watch it become your new go-to recipe!

More Recipes to Try!

• Easy Frito Corn Salad Recipe
• Authentic Esquites Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad
• Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad