This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful blend of pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for warm days and quick to make!
Everyone loves how tasty and refreshing it is, right? I often take it to picnics, and it always gets gobbled up fast! Perfect for those lazy summer afternoons! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I suggest using rotini because its shape holds onto the dressing well. You can swap it for any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you need it to be gluten-free.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If they’re not in season, try using diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers give crunch and flavor. Feel free to use yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. You could also skip them if you’re not a fan.
Olives: Black olives are classic here, but green olives can work too! If olives aren’t your thing, try adding artichoke hearts instead for a similar briny flavor.
Cheeses: Mini mozzarella balls are fun, but cubed cheddar or feta cheese can also be delicious. If you want a dairy-free option, try plant-based cheeses.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
To keep the pasta salad fresh and not soggy, follow these tips:
- Cook the pasta al dente, so it has a bit of bite. This helps it hold up in the salad.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
- Make sure your veggies are well-drained, especially if they have a lot of moisture.
- Mix the dressing just before serving or shortly after chilling to avoid soaking the pasta.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a pasta salad that’s tasty and has the right texture!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or mini pepperoni rounds
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 1 hour in the fridge to chill and let those flavors mingle. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, which includes prep time and chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but with a slight bite). When done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it off quickly, then drain well.
2. Mix the Veggies and Meats:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, mini mozzarella balls, sliced pepperoni, and diced salami. This colorful mix will make your salad really pop!
3. Dress It Up!
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. It’s like a party, and everyone should get to join in!
4. Add some Cheese and Parsley:
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Give it another light toss to mix everything together nicely.
5. Season and Chill:
Now, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. It’s time to let the flavors blend, so cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the salad a quick stir and taste it one more time. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve it chilled or at room temperature. This pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or even as a side for family dinners!
Enjoy this colorful, zesty, and easy-to-make Italian pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary between brands!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, which many people enjoy! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even grilled chicken for more protein. Just ensure that any new ingredients are chopped into bite-sized pieces to keep the salad balanced.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the salami, pepperoni, and cheese. You can replace the cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a vegan Italian dressing for added flavor!
