Simple Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes)

This Italian pasta salad recipe combines al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing for a perfect make-ahead side dish. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and ready in just 20 minutes!

Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients

For the salad:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or other short pasta shape)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup black olives, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
• ⅓ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• ½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 4 oz salami or pepperoni, cut into thin strips (optional)
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Italian dressing:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Tools Used to Make Italian Pasta Salad

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for mixing dressing
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or salad tongs
• Airtight 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 pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
3. Prep the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the olives and pepperoncini peppers. Quarter the artichoke hearts and cut the salami or pepperoni into thin strips if using.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, mozzarella pearls, salami, and herbs. Toss gently to mix.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Start with about ¾ of the dressing, then add more as needed.
6. Chill the salad: For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing.
7. Final touches: Just before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra freshness, sprinkle with additional torn basil leaves.

Variations of Italian Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Version: Skip the salami and add chickpeas, feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and Greek olives. Use a lemon-oregano dressing for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course. For vegetarians, add white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad: Add ¼ cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier consistency. This works especially well for pasta salads served at indoor gatherings.

Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lower-carb option. The dressing works beautifully with either option.

Veggie-Loaded Version: Double the vegetables and add extras like broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or marinated mushrooms for an even more nutritious salad.

Serving Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It makes a perfect side dish for backyard barbecues alongside grilled meats like burgers, chicken, or steak. The colorful presentation and fresh flavors complement almost any summer menu.

For potlucks and picnics, serve this pasta salad in a large bowl with serving tongs. Since it doesn’t contain mayonnaise, it’s safer to leave out at room temperature for a modest amount of time compared to mayo-based salads.

To elevate this dish for a casual dinner party, serve individual portions in small bowls or on salad plates with a garnish of fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For a complete meal, pair with garlic bread and a light soup or grilled protein.

Leftovers make excellent packed lunches for the next day. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making this salad even more delicious the second day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better when made ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reserve a small amount of dressing to add just before serving to refresh the flavors.

How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, Italian pasta salad will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after the first day as the pasta absorbs the dressing.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short pasta shapes with ridges or twists work best as they hold the dressing well. Rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow ties), or penne are excellent choices. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.

Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese and meat, and ensure your dressing ingredients are vegan (most are naturally vegan except for honey, which can be replaced with sugar or maple syrup).

Why is my pasta salad dry the next day?
Pasta naturally absorbs liquid as it sits. If your salad seems dry after refrigeration, simply add a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, then toss gently to refresh it.

Final Thoughts

This simple Italian pasta salad combines fresh ingredients with zesty dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Give it a try today and customize it with your favorite add-ins — we’d love to hear your creative variations!

More Recipes to Try!

• Fresh Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Honey
• Easy Frito Corn Salad Recipe
• Protein-Packed Southwest Chicken Salad
• Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
• Vibrant Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette