Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish? This Italian Pasta Salad is bursting with color, texture, and tangy flavor. Loaded with crisp veggies, tender pasta, mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or weekday lunches.
✅ Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or salami slices (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini (or your favorite short pasta) until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool.
2. Prep the veggies and cheese
While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and mozzarella. Set everything aside.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, veggies, mozzarella, and pepperoni if using. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill and serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, toss again and garnish with fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile: Add grilled chicken, swap veggies, or use store-bought dressing in a pinch.
- Colorful and fresh: Makes a beautiful addition to any table.
Pro Tips:
- Add a handful of arugula or spinach for an extra fresh twist.
- Use tri-color rotini for an even more vibrant look.
- Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
- Pecan Dump Cake – A cozy, buttery dessert with gooey filling and crunchy pecans.
- No-Bake Lemon Pie – Light, tangy, and perfect for warm days.
- Peach Cobbler Cookies – Fruity and chewy cookies that taste like summer.
- Lemon Jello Fluff – Creamy, citrusy, and melt-in-your-mouth light.
This Italian Pasta Salad is a must-have for your recipe box. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunch for the week, it’s fresh, flavorful, and always a hit. Bookmark it, share it, and make it again and again!
