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5.0 from 1,209 votes

Italian Pasta Salad

The BEST Italian Pasta Salad recipe is easy to make, loaded with all the good stuff, and tossed in zesty homemade dressing. It will be the star of your potluck!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Refrigerate
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 664 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Salad
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rotini pasta , uncooked
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (or chopped into pieces if you can't find pearls)
  • 8 ounces salami , pepperoni, or beef summer sausage
  • 6 ounces black olives , sliced
  • 1/2 red onion , diced
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • pepperoncinis , sliced (optional)
For the Italian Salad Dressing (or substitute about 1 1/2 cups bottled zesty italian dressing):
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the salad dressing by combining all ingredients. Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.
For the Pasta Salad:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain water and rinse pasta with cold water. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. 
  2. Add pasta to a large bowl and pour half of the salad dressing over it. Toss to combine. Add remaining ingredients and dressing and toss everything to combine.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer, before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Notes

  • Make Ahead Instructions: Italian Pasta Salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • Variations:
  • Add Meat/Protein: Add cooked chopped ham or chicken.
  • Add Meat/Protein: Add cooked chopped ham or chicken.
  • Add Veggies like chopped cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrot, or cooked sautéed veggies, like zucchini, asparagus, broccoli.
  • Add Veggies like chopped cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrot, or cooked sautéed veggies, like zucchini, asparagus, broccoli.
  • Meatless Italian Pasta Salad: Leave the meat out and add extra vegetables.
  • Meatless Italian Pasta Salad: Leave the meat out and add extra vegetables.
  • Swap the Noodles: Use farfalle, penne, or any favorite bite-size pasta.
  • Swap the Noodles: Use farfalle, penne, or any favorite bite-size pasta.
  • Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free bite size pasta noodles. We have had great luck with the Barilla rotini pasta.
  • Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free bite size pasta noodles. We have had great luck with the Barilla rotini pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 664kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 42g (65%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 24g Cholesterol 50mg (17%) Sodium 1559mg (65%) Potassium 384mg (11%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 557IU (11%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 243mg (24%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 664

% Daily Value*

Calories 664kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 42g 65%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 24g 120%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 1559mg 65%
Potassium 384mg 8%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 557IU 11%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 243mg 24%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.