• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

Main Menu
  • Browse All Recipes
  • By Course
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Desserts
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Drinks/Cocktails
    • Sauces & Dressings
  • By Method
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • One Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Casseroles
  • By Season
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
  • By Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • European
    • Indian
    • Romanian
    • Mediterranean
    • Middle Eastern
    • American
  • By Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Beef
    • Seafood
    • Lamb
    • Vegetarian
    • Pasta
    • Spices
  • By Holiday
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • Game Day
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patrick's Day
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th Of July
    • Labor Day
    • Halloween
Cookbooks
Shop Favorites
About Jo
Contact
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
FREE recipe eBook!
Search...
All Recipes
Soups
Baking
Pasta
Sides
Sandwiches
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Dips & Dressings
Pasta Italian
4.7 from 18 votes

Italian Pasta Salad

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •12/19/22 11 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Italian Pasta Salad is what everyone needs in their go-to recipe arsenal for quick and easy recipes ideal for a potluck, picnic or any other summer get-togethers. It’s healthy, it’s fast, super easy to make, delicious and bursting with flavor.

overhead shot of italian pasta salad
Table of Contents Open
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Italian Salad Dressing
    • Pasta Salad
  • How To Make Italian Pasta Salad
  • Expert Tips
  • Leftovers
    • Fridge
    • Freezer
  • Try These Other Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes:
  • Italian Pasta Salad
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

I love making pasta salads, especially this Italian Pasta Salad which really is one of my favorite cold pasta salad dishes. Not only is it delicious, but it’s really easy to put together and super simple to make. Even though I love creamy pasta salads, not all pasta salads have to be mayo loaded. Which is why I love a good Italian pasta salad. The dressing is refreshing and loaded with fresh herbs.

While most people only make pasta salads when attending a potluck, picnic or going to some family/friend gathering, I think they are great for a weekday meal. They make a perfect lunch or dinner. Not to mention the leftovers, because you will have lots of leftovers. But don’t worry, this pasta is even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Probably all of you have your own favorites for a great Italian pasta salads, some of which are a must. Here’s what you’ll need for my recipe:

Italian Salad Dressing

  • Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Olive Oil
  • White Wine Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Salt & Pepper

Pasta Salad

  • Pasta such as penne, elbow, fusilli or rotini
  • Bell peppers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Salami
  • Spicy Salami
  • Bocconcini
  • Red Onion
  • Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Kalamata Olives
process shots for making italian pasta salad

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is one of the easiest pasta salads you can make. First cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Next make the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Chop the rest of the ingredients, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together well.

That’s all there really is to it. This salad will last in the fridge for 2 to 3 days and it’s even better the next day! I would recommend refrigerating it for at least an hour before serving.

italian pasta salad in a white plate

Expert Tips

  1. Choose the right pasta and cook it properly. Use bite-size pasta such as penne, rotini, fusilli, farfalle, small shells, or even elbow macaroni. For 1 pound of pasta cook it in 1 gallon of boiling water seasoned with at least 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook it until tender and when it’s done, drain it, but do not rinse it.
  2. Load it with lots of veggies and salami. You want about 2 pounds of main ingredients. Choose good Italian salami, like Genoa salami and mix it up with both mild and spicy salami. The spicy salami will add a great kick to the pasta salad. Load it up with veggies such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and good olives. You could even mix it up a bit by adding veggies like asparagus, or snow peas, even zucchini and broccoli. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different veggies.
  3. Load your pasta salad with fresh herbs and onion. Go with lots of fresh herbs, such as parsley, oregano, and basil. While dried herbs work as well, nothing beats fresh herbs. As far as onions go, while I chose red onion, green onions are great as well.
  4. Dress it up! For all this pasta salad, you’ll need about a cup of dressing. For best results, use a mild white wine vinegar, rice vinegar or lemon juice. I don’t recommend balsamic vinegar as it will turn the pasta brown.

Leftovers

Fridge

Italian Pasta Salad leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge. If you need, you can whip up some extra dressing to toss the pasta with when you eat the leftovers in case too much has been absorbed.

Freezer

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad! The tomatoes and pasta will fall apart after thawing.

italian pasta salad in a big clear bowl

Try These Other Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes:

  • Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
  • Greek Pasta Salad
  • Taco Pasta Salad
  • Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Asparagus And Peas Pasta Salad
  • Antipasto Salad
  • Cowboy Pasta Salad

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

overhead shot of a bowl of italian pasta salad with salad tongs in it
Print
4.67 from 18 votes

Italian Pasta Salad

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Total 25 minutes
Rate Recipe
This Italian Pasta Salad is what everyone needs in their go-to recipe arsenal for quick and easy recipes ideal for a potluck, picnic or any other summer get-togethers. It’s healthy, it’s fast, super easy to make, delicious and bursting with flavor. 
12

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound pasta (such as penne, elbow, fusilli or rotini)
  • 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half or quartered)
  • 8 ounce salami (thickly sliced or cut in small pieces)
  • 8 ounce bocconcini (mini, or cut in half or quarters if using regular size bocconcini)
  • ½ medium red onion (finely chopped)
  • 8 ounce spicy salami (thickly sliced or cut in small pieces)
  • 8 ounce Monterey Jack cheese (cut in small cubes)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)

Italian Dressing

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoon oregano (fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried oregano))
  • 2 tablespoon basil (fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil))
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. For 1 lb of pasta you will need about 2 gallons of liquid, also make sure to salt your water well, at least 2 tbsp of salt. After you drain the pasta do not rinse it, if anything add a little olive oil to it to prevent it from sticking together.
  • Combine salad ingredients: Toss all the pasta salad ingredients together. 
  • Prepare salad dressing: In a small bowl or jar add all the dressing together and whisk well. If using a jar, put the lid on and close it, then shake well. You want the dressing to emulsify a little bit, this will ensure the pasta will absorb the dressing.
  • Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss well. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Video

Notes

  1. Cheese: I used mini bocconcini, but regular mozzarella cut in cubes can be used as well. Another alternative to Monterey Jack cheese could be a marble jack cheese, or a sharp cheddar cheese.
  2. Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. This salad is even better the next day.
  3. Nutrition: This salad will yield about 15 cups, so nutritional information is based on a little over a cup per serving. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 512kcal (26%)Carbohydrates: 31g (10%)Protein: 21g (42%)Fat: 33g (51%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Cholesterol: 53mg (18%)Sodium: 1159mg (50%)Potassium: 307mg (9%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 380IU (8%)Vitamin C: 15.8mg (19%)Calcium: 242mg (24%)Iron: 1.7mg (9%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

overhead shot of a bowl of italian pasta salad with salad tongs in it

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 474
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

11 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Renee
Renee
Posted: 6 months ago

I never buy white wine vinegar. I do have both balsamic vinegar & apple cider vinegar. Which would you recommend would work better? Thanks.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Renee
Posted: 6 months ago

I would probably go with the balsamic vinegar.

0
Reply
Susan
Susan
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I made this pasta salad to take on the boat. The grandkids and my kids ate even bite! Great recipe.

0
Reply
Elaine
Elaine
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
Delicious!! I added some feta and fresh herbs from my deck garden.

0
Reply
Nancy
Nancy
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
Delicious pasta salad! I have made it a few times for family and work potlucks and the compliments are always pouring in! Thank you for this recipe.

0
Reply
Kia Munteanu
Kia Munteanu
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
This salad was delish! Added more garlic and chopped snow peas and substituted mozzarella with a Romanian semi soft sheep cheese. Kids devoured it! Can’t wait to make this again.

0
Reply
Terri
Terri
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
I tried this recipe and the hubby and I loved it. Lovely to add a mayo-free pasta salad recipe to my recipe box. Thanks for this one!

Terri

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Terri
Posted: 4 years ago

My pleasure!

0
Reply
Elaine
Elaine
Posted: 4 years ago

I love toasted pine nuts in this kind of salad.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Elaine
Posted: 4 years ago

Love that!

0
Reply
Natalie Ellis
Natalie Ellis
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
I really love mixing a lot of ingredients whenever I cook pasta, it gives me different taste with different mix. 😋

0
Reply

sidebar

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz