This colorful Italian Pasta Salad is filled with tasty ingredients like fresh veggies, olives, and cheese, all mixed with zesty Italian dressing. It’s easy to make and perfect for warm days!
You can serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal. I love adding extra cherry tomatoes—they’re like little bursts of sunshine! ☀️ You’ll want seconds, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli is great for holding dressings, but you can swap it for any pasta you have. Penne, rotini, or even orzo work well, so feel free to get creative!
Cherry Tomatoes: If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes or even chopped regular tomatoes. Anything with a bit of sweetness will do.
Olives: Black olives add a nice depth, but green olives can give a different kick. If you’re not an olive fan, you can skip them entirely or replace them with artichoke hearts.
Cucumber: For crunch, English cucumber is best, but any cucumber will work. You can replace it with diced zucchini or bell pepper if you’re not a fan.
Salami: Diced salami adds flavor, but you can use pepperoni, turkey deli meat, or even omit it for a vegetarian option. The salad will still taste good!
Mozzarella Balls: If you can’t find bocconcini, use diced mozzarella cheese or even feta for a tangy twist. Just adjust to your taste!
Italian Dressing: For a homemade version, mix olive oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. You can also adjust that to your liking, adding more or less vinegar as preferred.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad Stays Tasty After Refrigerating?
Chilling pasta salad helps flavors blend, but you want to keep it fresh. Here’s how to make sure it still tastes great later:
- Cool the pasta properly by rinsing. Make sure it’s cold before mixing, so it doesn’t wilt veggies.
- Dress the salad lightly first, then taste. If it seems dry after chilling, add a bit more dressing before serving.
- Wait to add delicate ingredients like mozzarella and herbs until right before serving to keep them fresh.
Following these steps will help your pasta salad taste just as delicious after sitting in the fridge!
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces fusilli pasta (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (green or red)
Protein and Cheese:
- 1 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
Extras:
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a tasty, colorful salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will cool the pasta down and stop it from cooking further.
2. Mix the Vegetables and Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumber, and your choice of bell pepper. Then add the diced salami, mozzarella balls, finely chopped red onion, and parsley. Using a large spoon, gently mix everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Make sure to season with a little salt and pepper to taste, and give it another light toss to mix everything well.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into a sealed container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, it can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Salad?
Absolutely! While fusilli is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture in your salad.
What Can I Substitute for Salami?
If you want to make this salad vegetarian or simply don’t have salami on hand, you can replace it with diced grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or even a plant-based sausage for a similar protein boost.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may actually improve after a day as they meld together. If it seems a bit dry upon serving, just add a little extra dressing to refresh it!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
