Why You’ll Love Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This Italian pasta salad is more than just pasta — it’s packed with a variety of fresh veggies, flavorful cheeses, and bold ingredients that soak up every bit of the zesty dressing. Perfect for making ahead of time and even better the next day when all the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dressing:
olive oil
red wine vinegar
dijon mustard
fresh garlic
italian seasoning
peppadew pepper juice
pepperoncini juice
salt
black pepper
granulated sugar
Salad:
penne pasta
genoa salami
black olives
grape tomatoes
sun dried tomatoes
peppadew peppers
pepperoncini
red onion
fresh mozzarella
parmesan cheese
romano cheese
fresh basil
Directions
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In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake well.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
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Add the hot pasta to a large salad bowl and pour the dressing over it, tossing to coat. Allow the pasta to cool.
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Once cooled to room temperature, stir in the salami, olives, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, peppadew peppers, pepperoncini, red onion, mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheese.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors marry.
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Before serving, add fresh basil and adjust seasoning or olive oil as needed.
Servings and timing
Serves: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
Variations
Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra olives or artichoke hearts. Swap in different cheeses like provolone or asiago for a new flavor profile. Add cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Because this is a cold dish, reheating isn’t necessary — just give it a quick stir and add a little extra dressing if it seems dry.
FAQs
How long can I keep Italian pasta salad in the fridge?
Italian pasta salad can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it the day before you plan to serve allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for a cold salad.
What type of pasta is best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works best because it holds the dressing and ingredients well.
Can I freeze Italian pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients can change when thawed.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, bottled Italian dressing can be used in place of the homemade vinaigrette if you prefer convenience.
What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cubed cheese can boost protein content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free pasta.
Can I make a lighter version?
Reduce the cheese and meat, or use light Italian dressing to reduce calories.
What side dishes pair well with Italian pasta salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fresh fruit salad.
Conclusion
This Italian pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing, versatile dish that combines bold flavors and textures with a zesty homemade dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a party, picnic, or family dinner, it’s easy to make ahead, adaptable to your tastes, and delicious on day one and beyond.
