Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad: The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad: The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

The most delicious and healthy Italian pasta salad is the one you make by yourself. This Italian pasta salad recipe is going to make you a pro at making the best Italian pasta salad.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 12 oz 340g rotini or any short pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini optional, sliced
  • 1/2 cup salami diced or julienned
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley or basil optional, for garnish
For the Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Dressing:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, olives, red onion, pepperoncini, and salami.
Add the Dressing:
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour for the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!