Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Packed with colorful vegetables, savory meats, and a bold Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and tastes even better as it marinates.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rotini or tri-color pastacherry tomatoescucumberred onionblack olivesmozzarella cheesesalami or pepperoncinired bell pepperItalian dressing (store-bought or homemade)parmesan cheeseItalian seasoningfresh parsley

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and salami into bite-sized pieces.

Slice the black olives and cube the mozzarella cheese.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the chopped ingredients.

Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything until well coated.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesChilling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use grilled chicken or tofu instead of salami for a different protein option.

Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Try a balsamic vinaigrette or creamy Italian dressing for a twist.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Add avocado just before serving for a creamy texture.

storage/reheating

Store Zesty Italian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.*Stir before serving to redistribute dressing and flavors.*Avoid freezing as the vegetables and pasta can become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled for a few hours or overnight.

What pasta works best?

Rotini, fusilli, or penne are ideal because they hold the dressing well.

Can I use homemade dressing?

Absolutely! A mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs works great.

Is it served warm or cold?

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the salami or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

What’s the best way to keep it from drying out?

Add a little extra dressing before serving if the pasta has absorbed too much.

Do I have to use mozzarella?

No, feta, provolone, or cheddar cubes also work well.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely! Use what you like or have on hand—zucchini, carrots, or broccoli are great options.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Add them just before serving if you’re storing the salad for more than a day.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and makes a great grab-and-go lunch.

Conclusion

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers bold taste and satisfying texture in every bite. Easy to customize and make ahead, it’s a versatile staple for any gathering or weekday meal. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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