Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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A zesty Italian pasta salad is one of my absolute favorite summertime sides. There are a zillion ways to make it, but my go-to is the more classic pasta salad with all the Italian flavors–salami, tomatoes, olives, basil, Italian dressing, mozzarella… you get it. What can I say, I love cheese and salami (once a charcuterie girl always a charcuterie girl)! In my recipe I like to add some lettuce, or in this case arugula, for some texture and a fresh bite. It is a salad after all! 

For some other summer-y recipes, check out my Bratwurst Board, Seafood Platter, Burger Board, Hot Dog Board, Red, White, and Burrata Board, Stone Fruit Salad, Prosciutto and Melon Skewers, Watermelon Salad, and BBQ Chicken Board, to name a few.

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad

• 1 cup cooked rotini pasta, cooled

• 4.5 ounces baby arugula (one package)

• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls

• 4 ounces provolone, cubed

• 6 ounces Salami, sliced

• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup sliced red onion (about 1/4 onion)

• 7 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted and quartered

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• ½ cup Creamy Italian Dressing

Directions

• In a large bowl, toss the cooled rotini with the olive oil and salt. Add the arugula, mozzarella, provolone, salami, tomatoes, onion, olives, parsley, and basil and toss until evenly distributed. 

• Pour on the Creamy Italian Dressing and toss until coated. 

What to Put in Italian Pasta Salad

I went with mozzarella, provolone, salami, and kalamata olives, but feel free to tinker! Here are some other Italian ingredients to add to or swap with mine!

• Black olives

• Parmesan

• Bell peppers

• Pepperoncini

• Red pepper flakes

• Roasted red peppers

• Cucumbers

Italian dressing not your thing? Try using a pesto instead! 

What to Serve with Italian Pasta Salad

They sky is the limit! Serve this as a side at your backyard BBQ, bring it to a friends summertime potluck, or serve it alongside any meal–bonus points for al fresco dining.

If you’re serving it with a meal, I like to serve it alongside a meat and veg since it’s already got the carbs! Try Italian-marinated grilled chicken, corn on the cob, grilled zucchini, herby salmon, roasted tomatoes, or Italian-flavored kebabs with your favorite meat and veg! 

Italian Pasta Salad How-To Video

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Other Pasta Salad Flavors

Not into Italian flavors? That’s ok! Try:

• Greek Orzo Salad

• Tuna Pasta Salad

• Cajun Pasta Salad

• Macaroni Salad

• Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad

Show Me Your Pasta Salad

I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful sides and spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.

Photos by Haley Hunt Davis of Salt Worth Creative. Food styling with Ryan Norton.