Italian Pasta Salad

Summertime calls for refreshing and effortless meals that capture the vibrant flavors of the season, and nothing embodies this better than a classic Italian Pasta Salad. Combining the simplicity of pasta with a medley of fresh veggies and zesty herbs, this dish is my go-to for warm days. Make this quick and delicious dish that will become a staple for easy summer meals!

Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe for a light lunch or dinner. It also makes an easy side dish for a backyard barbecue or other summer party. Enjoy a little bit of summer in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad with Italian dressing is so easy to customize!

You don’t have to heat up your oven so it’s perfect for hot summer days.

It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks and busy days!

It’s fresh and delicious!

Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients

This Italian dressing pasta salad is full of fresh ingredients, but you can add or take away anything to make it perfectly fit your palate. Here’s what you need:

Tri-colored rotini pasta (you could use any short pasta here, but the tri-colored noodles are fun!)

One bottle of Italian dressing

Good Seasons Italian Dressing and Recipe Mix

Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

Fresh Mozzarella balls/pearls

Canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

Pepperoni slices, sliced in half

Sliced black olives, drained

Broccoli florets, chopped

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Red onion, sliced

Fresh parsley, chopped

Pepperoncini, drained and chopped

Orange bell pepper, chopped

Yellow bell pepper, chopped

Make sure to review the recipe card below for exact amounts.

How to make Italian Pasta Salad

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, but for slightly less time than needed for “al dente”. The pasta will soften as it marinates overnight.

Drain the cooked pasta and let it sit and cool while preparing the other ingredients. You can toss it in a little bit of olive oil if you’re worried about it sticking.

In a large bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, pepperoni, olives, broccoli, Parmesan cheese, red onion, pepperoncini, chopped bell peppers, and cooled pasta. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.

If you don’t have a bowl large enough to fit everything, divide all the ingredients in half and place each half in a smaller bowl.

In a separate medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk the Italian dressing with the salad seasoning mix until completely combined. Pour the dressing mix over the pasta salad and mix well to coat completely.

Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, covered tightly. This pasta salad is best served cold, but you can also serve it at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

You can include some of the following items in your pasta salad if desired:

Red bell pepper

Sun-dried tomatoes

Feta cheese

Chopped hard salami

Fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano

FAQs

Can I use Creamy Italian Dressing?

Yes, you can use creamy or regular Italian dressing for this recipe. I typically use creamy because that’s what we prefer.

How do I store Italian Pasta Salad?

Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Because it keeps well in the fridge, this is a great make-ahead dish!

Can you freeze pasta salad?

Yes, you can store it in a freezer bag or plastic container for up to 3 months. However, it is best within the first month. The taste and texture of the salad will change as it thaws.

To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

My Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes

I love to make pasta salad in the spring and summer for a light, easy meal. Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Tex-Mex Pasta Salad– this pasta is combined with fresh vegetables and tossed with a homemade vinaigrette

Easy Macaroni Salad– This dish has lots of flavor that is sure to be a hit and staple at every summer BBQ!

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad– this salad is made with Marie’s Creamy Ranch Dressing, rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, orange pepper, and romaine lettuce. 

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad– cheesy pasta and crisp fresh vegetables are tossed with a homemade Greek dressing for a perfect picnic food! 

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad– campanelle pasta, diced chicken, fresh tomatoes, and diced mozzarella tossed in an easy pesto. 

Which pasta salad will you make next time?

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