If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as easy to throw together as it is delicious, this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with fresh, colorful ingredients like sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella, all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty Italian dressing. Every bite bursts with bright Mediterranean flavors that will keep you coming back for more, whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or a simple, comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the secret to making this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe a flavorful hit. Each one plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color, creating a salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 2 cups cooked pasta: Choose short pasta like rotini or penne for perfect dressing absorption and easy eating.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of red to brighten the salad.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Provides a salty, savory contrast that complements the veggies.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced: Crunchy and colorful, for extra freshness and a mild sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle zing and sharpness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Infuses the salad with an aromatic, herbaceous note classic to Italian cooking.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed: Creamy and mild, it balances the acidity of the tomatoes and dressing beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing: Brings everything together with herby, tangy flavors and a little zing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps coat the salad evenly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that deepens the flavor profile instantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory backbone without overpowering the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Begin by cooking 2 cups of your favorite pasta according to the package instructions; once done, drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This step ensures your pasta stays firm and cool, setting the stage for a perfect salad base.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Vegetables
Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl, then add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Mixing these colorful, crisp ingredients early lets the flavors start mingling beautifully.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Cheese
Chop fresh basil and cube mozzarella cheese, then fold them gently into your pasta and vegetable mixture. This step layers in fresh aromatic notes and creamy texture that make the salad truly irresistible.
Step 4: Dress and Season the Salad
Pour 1/4 cup of Italian dressing and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the ingredients. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper next. Toss everything together softly until every piece is evenly coated in vibrant flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the dressing to soak into every pasta piece and the fresh flavors to harmonize, making the salad even more mouthwatering when served cold.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or a handful of grated Parmesan over the top just before serving to add a fresh, cheesy finish. A few whole cherry tomatoes or olives on the side can also make the presentation pop visually while inviting your guests to help themselves.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe shines alongside grilled chicken, fresh garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. It offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors when paired with these classics, perfect for a picnic or a casual dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars for a charming picnic touch or mound it atop a bed of crisp mixed greens on a large platter to impress at your next gathering. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or wraps for a portable, flavorful lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Italian Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even more overnight.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it can drastically change the texture and taste. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne are ideal because they hold dressing well, you can also use farfalle, fusilli, or even mini shells—it’s all about your preference.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it makes a fantastic meal prep option because the flavors improve as it chills. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for more than a day.
Can I add protein to the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, salami slices, or even canned tuna can be added to make it more filling and turn it into a complete meal.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or simply omit it, and make sure your Italian dressing doesn’t contain dairy to keep it vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from sticking?
Rinsing cooked pasta under cold water and tossing it with a bit of olive oil right after draining helps prevent it from clumping together in the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel like a quick escape to the Italian countryside. It’s simple, adaptable, and reliably delicious—once you try it, it will likely become one of your go-to salad recipes for warm weather or anytime you crave something bright and satisfying. Give it a go and watch it quickly become a favorite!
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather meals or potlucks. Combining al dente pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, black olives, red bell peppers, red onion, basil, and mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing with olive oil and seasonings, it offers a refreshing and satisfying taste of Italy in every bite. Ideal as a side or a light main, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dairy
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Start by cooking 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare Salad Base: Place the cooked and cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl to form the base of your salad.
- Add Tomatoes: Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and add them directly to the pasta in the bowl.
- Add Olives: Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and incorporate them into the pasta mixture.
- Add Bell Pepper: Dice 1/2 cup of red bell pepper and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Include Onion: Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion and stir it into the pasta salad mixture.
- Add Basil: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and add it to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese: Cube 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and incorporate it into the salad.
- Add Dressing: Pour 1/4 cup of Italian dressing over the combined ingredients to start building the salad’s flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the salad for extra richness.
- Add Oregano: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano evenly over the mixture.
- Season: Season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Italian pasta salad cold and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute mozzarella with feta or parmesan for a different cheese profile.
- Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or artichoke hearts for variation.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; dressing may need a stir before serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
