Fresh Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: Summertime Picnic Joy

Summer’s vibrant colors dance through this zesty Italian pasta salad recipe that promises to brighten any gathering.

Cool noodles twist with crisp vegetables, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Tangy herbs and robust dressing weave magic into every forkful.

Colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives mingle effortlessly in this classic dish.

Crunchy and refreshing, this salad serves as the perfect side for backyard barbecues or picnic spreads.

Each bite delivers a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness that keeps people coming back for more.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold tastes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15min

Calories: 418 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Guide for Italian Pasta Salad

• Rotini Pasta: Twisty pasta perfect for catching dressing and holding onto mixed ingredients, choose a high-quality brand for best texture.

• Turkey Salami, Small Pepperonis: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein punch, select lean cuts for healthier option.

• Green Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Grape Tomatoes, Black Olives: Brings crunch, color, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, choose ripe and firm vegetables for maximum taste.

• Parsley, Basil: Provides fresh, aromatic notes that elevate the entire salad, pick bright green leaves without wilting.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella: Delivers creamy texture and sharp, tangy undertones, select high-quality, freshly grated options.

• Italian Dressing: Seamlessly blends all ingredients with zesty, herbal notes, choose a robust, well-balanced commercial dressing or make homemade.

Utensils Required for Mixing Pasta Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for combining all ingredients and tossing the pasta salad.
• Colander: Essential for draining and cooling the cooked pasta quickly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for dicing vegetables and chopping herbs with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for chopping ingredients into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for ensuring accurate dressing proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for gently mixing and coating the salad ingredients.
• Serving Spoon: Ideal for transferring the chilled pasta salad to individual plates.

How to Put Together Italian Pasta Salad

• Pasta Base

Boil rotini until perfectly tender, then rinse with cool water to stop cooking process and create ideal texture for salad.

• Flavor Companions

Chop an exciting mix of meats and vegetables – turkey salami, pepperonis, black olives, green bell peppers, and red onions create a vibrant color palette and delicious taste profile.

• Fresh Herb Boost

Slice juicy grape tomatoes and sprinkle fragrant parsley and basil throughout the mixture, adding brightness and complex layers of flavor.

• Cheese Adventure

Scatter generous handfuls of parmesan and fresh mozzarella, which will melt slightly and bind all ingredients together with creamy richness.

• Dressing Magic

Drizzle zesty Italian dressing over the entire creation, gently folding ingredients to ensure every morsel gets coated with tangy goodness.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour, allowing flavors to dance and mingle, creating a harmonious and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches.

How to Modify Dressings and Mix-ins

• Switch out turkey salami for classic pepperoni or crispy bacon bits to add a different protein punch.
• Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for an authentic Greek-inspired twist.
• Replace meat with roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, and grilled eggplant to create a vegetarian version that's equally delicious.
• Experiment with homemade vinaigrettes like balsamic herb, lemon garlic, or spicy sriracha dressing to elevate the overall taste profile.
• This pasta salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks.

Tips on Plating Pasta Salad

• Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this zesty pasta salad in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, beach days, or park lunches. Perfect for keeping cool and satisfying hungry friends.
• Appetizer Showcase: Serve small portions on fancy toothpicks during cocktail parties or as a delightful starter that will impress guests with its colorful Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store in individual containers for quick work lunches or grab-and-go meals throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken strips or add extra salami slices for a more substantial meal that transforms this side dish into a complete dinner solution.

How to Refrigerate Italian Pasta Salad Properly

• Refrigerator Ready: Store this pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the vibrant flavors and crisp textures intact. The dressing will continue to infuse the ingredients, making each bite more delicious.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the salad in advance for quick lunches or potluck gatherings. The ingredients hold up beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish that saves time during busy weeks.
• Temperature Tips: Always keep the pasta salad chilled below 40°F to maintain food safety. Remove from the refrigerator just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Mixing Moment: For best results, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients. Fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of parmesan can brighten the flavors if needed.

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15min
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Summer freshness comes alive in this Italian pasta salad, blending Mediterranean ingredients with crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. Tangy herbs and colorful produce create perfect harmony for outdoor gatherings and casual meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 4 oz (113 g) turkey salami, diced
• 5 oz (142 g) small pepperonis
• 4 oz (113 g) fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1 pint (300 g) grape tomatoes, quartered
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (70 g) sliced black olives
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons (8 g) parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (8 g) basil, chopped
• 16 oz (473 mL) Italian dressing, bottled or homemade

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook rotini to al dente perfection, quickly cool under cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain optimal texture.
2. Protein and Olive Fusion: Combine turkey salami, pepperonis, and black olives, creating a savory Mediterranean-inspired base that adds depth and complexity to the salad.
3. Vegetable Medley: Incorporate finely chopped green bell peppers and red onions, ensuring uniform pieces for balanced flavor distribution and visual appeal.
4. Fresh Element Integration: Gently mix in quartered grape tomatoes, adding vibrant color and tangy brightness to the pasta composition.
5. Herb and Cheese Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh parsley and basil throughout, then liberally distribute parmesan and mozzarella, allowing these ingredients to intertwine and elevate the overall taste profile.
6. Dressing and Marination: Drizzle Italian dressing across the mixture, thoroughly tossing to ensure complete flavor integration and even coating of all ingredients.
7. Flavor Development: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour, allowing the components to meld and intensify their collective taste, creating a harmonious and refreshing dish perfect for serving chilled.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow ingredients to blend and intensify their taste, creating a more complex and delicious dish.
• Precise Chopping Matters: Cut vegetables and meats into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Master the Al Dente Technique: Cook pasta just until tender but still firm, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent a mushy texture.
• Dress Strategically: Drizzle dressing evenly and toss gently to coat all ingredients, preventing clumping and ensuring a consistent, flavorful experience.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 418
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1,024 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg