This colorful Italian Pasta Salad is a fun mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and tasty Italian dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any gathering!
Whenever I make this salad, it disappears super fast! I love adding extra olives and cheese because, let’s be real, who can resist those? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta is great for holding onto the dressing and flavors. If you can’t find rotini, penne or fusilli are great substitutes, too. Just avoid pasta that’s too flat, like spaghetti.
Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness of these tomatoes adds a nice pop. If they’re out of season, you can use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes diced into small pieces.
Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumbers bring a refreshing taste. If you want a bit more flavor, consider using a different variety, like Persian or English cucumbers—they’re milder and less seedy.
Broccoli Florets: Blanching the broccoli brightens its color and softens its crunch. You can use other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas, if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them into small bites!
Salami: A tasty addition for protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken deli meat works well. For a vegetarian version, try marinated artichoke hearts or chickpeas instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Well-Mixed?
To have a delicious and evenly flavored pasta salad, proper mixing is key. After cooking the pasta and letting it cool, combine it with all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl. Here’s how:
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled to avoid wilting other ingredients.
- Add the pasta to the bowl first, then layer veggies, salami, cheese, and parsley on top for even distribution.
- Drizzle dressing and gently toss with two large spoons, careful not to mash the ingredients.
Cover and chill the salad! Running it through the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully; it’s worth the wait. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll get a delicious and refreshing salad ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside to let any excess water drain off.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
While the pasta is cooking, you can prep the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, blanched broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, diced salami, cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
3. Combine Pasta and Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the top. Give everything a good toss to mix well, making sure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Season and Chill:
Next, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Once seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After the salad has chilled, it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a bit. Scoop it into bowls and get ready to enjoy this refreshing Italian Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber to your salad. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to cook than regular rotini.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad is best enjoyed within 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. If you find the pasta absorbs the dressing, add a splash more dressing upon serving to freshen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to customize your pasta salad with additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
