This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that come together in a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed with savory salami, fresh vegetables, and creamy mozzarella, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing – it’s a perfect dish for everything from casual weeknight dinners to summer picnics and potlucks. Best of all, this no-cook wonder comes together in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Cooking Required (except for the pasta): Once your pasta is cooked and cooled, this recipe is simply a matter of chopping and tossing – perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Champion: This pasta salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to mingle, making it ideal for meal prep or preparing before a gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful appearance and familiar Italian flavors, this pasta salad appeals to almost everyone – kids and adults alike will come back for seconds.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish for a light meal or as a substantial side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape catches and holds the dressing beautifully. The twists and grooves grab onto all those lovely bits of vegetables and herbs.
Hard Salami: Adds a rich, savory depth that takes this pasta salad from side dish to main event. Its slight spiciness and chewy texture create wonderful contrast.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweet-tart freshness that balance the richness of the other ingredients. Their juicy texture adds moisture to the salad.
Black Olives: Provide that distinctive Mediterranean flavor and a hint of brininess that wakes up your taste buds.
Red Onion: Offers a sharp, pungent kick that cuts through the richness. The purple color also adds beautiful visual contrast.
Bell Peppers: Add a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange) for the most striking presentation.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Creamy little pockets of milky sweetness that provide a wonderful textural contrast to the firmer ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that rounds out all the flavors and adds a wonderful umami quality.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil bring brightness and that unmistakable Italian freshness. They’re not just garnish – they’re essential flavor components.
Italian Dressing: The binding element that coats everything in tangy, herby goodness. Choose a good quality one or make your own.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip this final seasoning step – it awakens all the other flavors.

Variations

Protein Options

Switch up the protein by substituting the salami with grilled chicken, pepperoni, prosciutto, or for a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or white beans.

Vegetable Swaps

Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or cucumber for different flavor dimensions. Spinach or arugula can add a nice peppery bite and extra nutrition.

Cheese Alternatives

Try cubed provolone, feta crumbles, or goat cheese instead of or in addition to the mozzarella.

Pasta Choices

Any medium-sized pasta shape works well: bowties (farfalle), penne, or fusilli can be substituted for rotini.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the pasta cools, prepare all your other ingredients: dice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, dice the red onion and bell peppers, and chop the fresh herbs.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepared ingredients: salami, tomatoes, olives, red onion, bell peppers, mozzarella balls, and grated parmesan.

Step 4: Add Dressing and Herbs

Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and add the chopped parsley and basil. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated with dressing.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one final gentle toss. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Properly: Always salt your pasta water generously, and cook the pasta just until al dente – it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing.
Cool Completely: Make sure your pasta has cooled entirely before adding other ingredients, otherwise it will continue cooking and might become mushy.
Uniform Pieces: Try to cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for the most balanced bites.
Reserve Some Dressing: If making ahead, reserve a small amount of dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta will absorb dressing as it sits.
Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt and pepper when combining ingredients, then taste and adjust after adding the dressing.
Let It Marinate: For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving – though it’s still delicious right away if you’re in a hurry!

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside grilled meats like Italian sausages, chicken, or steak. It’s also wonderful with crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine for a light summer dinner.

Serving Suggestions

For a buffet or potluck, place in a large colorful bowl and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Meal Ideas

Create an Italian-inspired spread with this pasta salad as the centerpiece, accompanied by antipasto platters, bruschetta, and garlic bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This pasta salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, though some vegetables may soften over time.

Refreshing Leftovers

Before serving leftover pasta salad, bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then toss with a splash of fresh dressing or a drizzle of olive oil to revive it. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian pasta salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami and cheese, or replace them with plant-based alternatives. Use chickpeas or white beans for protein, and either skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative. Make sure your Italian dressing is vegan as well.

How do I keep the pasta from soaking up all the dressing?
This is a common issue with pasta salads. To prevent this, make sure to cool the pasta completely before adding dressing, and don’t skimp on the oil in the dressing as it helps create a barrier. You can also reserve some dressing to add just before serving if you’re making the salad in advance.

Can I prepare this salad the night before a party?
Yes! This salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Prepare it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. You might want to add the fresh herbs closer to serving time for the brightest flavor and color, and give it a good toss with a little extra dressing before presenting.

What’s the best way to transport this pasta salad to a potluck?
Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in a cooler with ice packs if the journey is more than 30 minutes or if it’s warm outside. This will maintain food safety and preserve the texture of the ingredients. Pack some extra dressing and fresh herbs separately to refresh the salad just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe – it’s a versatile culinary canvas that combines the best of Italian flavors in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a reliable potluck contribution, or a make-ahead lunch option, this pasta salad delivers beautiful flavors with minimal effort. The combination of chewy pasta, savory salami, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Give it a try – I’m convinced it will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe