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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Salad / Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

    Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

    Published: Sep 10, 2019 · Modified: Nov 12, 2020 by Anna 22 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. A perfect side dish to your summer dinners!

    I serve this pasta salad with my homemade Italian Dressing and often with buttery and garlicky Homemade Croutons.

    Close up on Italian Pasta Salad in white bowl, with homemade dressing in jar in the background.

    On a hot summer day, I find myself craving a cold pasta salad full of fresh vegetables and tossed with delicious homemade dressing. This Italian Pasta Salad is currently our go-to, along with its Greek version and the super popular BLT Pasta Salad. You can make it ahead of time and serve for lunch or a light dinner, or simply as a side dish. It's always a hit! This Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks and BBQ summer parties. You can easily make a big batch to feed a crowd! Italian Pasta Salad is probably one of the most popular pasta salads. The classic version calls for a corkscrew or rotini pasta (we love tri-color!), pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and the dressing.

    Ingredients:

    • corkscrew pasta
    • pepperoni
    • fresh mozzarella cheese
    • olives
    • cucumber
    • red onion
    • red bell pepper
    • Italian salad dressing
    Overhead shot of pasta, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, pepperoni, red pepper and onion in a mixing bowl.

    Instructions:

    • Prepare Italian salad dressing by combining all ingredients in a jar and shaking until well combined.
    • Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
    • Garnish with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, as well as chopped fresh parsley.
    • Serve cold.
    Italian pasta salad in a bowl, with dressing being poured from a measuring cup.

    Storing

    You can store this pasta salad for up to 3 days in the fridge. The dressing can be stored in a jar for up to 1 week.

    This pasta salad can be easily made in advance. Simply place it in a bowl, cover with saran wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss with dressing and cheese right before serving. If you will be storing the dressing, skip the cheese and toss it in with the salad ingredients just before serving. You can make a batch of the Italian Salad Dressing recipe and store it in the fridge.

    Serving

    Pasta salad is a great summertime dish and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, oven-roasted salmon or simply with sandwiches.

    Overhead shot of Italian Pepperoni Pasta Salad.

    More pasta salad recipes:

    • BLT Pasta Salad
    • Quick & Easy Broccoli Salad
    • Black Bean Taco Salad

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Italian Pasta Salad in a big white bowl.

    Italian Pasta Salad

    Author: Anna
    Rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella tossed with homemade Italian dressing. Perfect side dish to your summer dinners!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Total Time 22 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 372 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the salad:

    • 12 oz. rotini pasta
    • 1 English cucumber
    • 1/4 red bell pepper chopped
    • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    • 1 cup olives
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese torn into pieces
    • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
    • 1/2 cup my Italian Salad Dressing

    Instructions
     

    • Cook pasta according to instructions on the box, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in a large salad bowl.
    • Chop cucumber, pepper and onion, add to pasta.
    • Quarter cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices and slice olives in half. Add to pasta.
    • Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces. Gently toss to combine.
    • To make dressing: combine all ingredients in a jar with lid, shake well; or whisk well in a measuring cup. Pour half of the dressing over pasta and gently toss to coat. Serve more if needed.

    Notes

    Please note that the nutritional value does not include the dressing. Please, see the Italian Dressing recipe for the info.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 709mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Vitamin C: 14.4mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    This post was originally published on June 18th, 2018 and updated on September 10th, 2019.

    More Salad Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Liz says

      August 21, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      Everyone loved this; it's a keeper.

      Reply
    2. Ramona says

      March 10, 2022 at 3:20 pm

      Made this, turned out perfect. Wish it would let me send a picture

      Reply
    3. Jennifer Griffin says

      June 26, 2021 at 11:08 am

      How do you post a photo? I made this and will be serving it at my family reunion today. I’m not a sampler, so I don’t yet know how it tastes, but oh my gosh does it smell great and looks beautiful! I’ll report back soon,.

      Reply
    4. Lisa says

      October 17, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Trying your pasta salad today for a family party. Using fresh mozzarella pearls & I’ve added some peperoncini also.
      I’m sure it will have rave reviews... at least from me!

      Reply
    5. Kristyn says

      September 10, 2019 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite go-to's!! It is super easy, but so full of flavor! It is such a crowd pleaser!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 11, 2019 at 11:53 pm

        I agree! It's always a hit!

        Reply
    6. Katie says

      September 10, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      I always love a good italian pasta salad. This one does not disappoint!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 11, 2019 at 11:53 pm

        Fantastic! Thank you, Katie!

        Reply
    7. Stephanie says

      September 10, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious salad and the fresh mozzarella was a perfect compliment!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 11, 2019 at 11:55 pm

        I am so glad you like it! Thank you, Stephanie!

        Reply
    8. Katerina says

      September 10, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      OH yum, I LOVE italian pasta salad!! This is the perfect side dish!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 11, 2019 at 11:55 pm

        Thanks, Katerina!

        Reply
    9. Erin says

      June 20, 2018 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!

      Reply
    10. Amy says

      June 19, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good pasta salad! I have to try this!

      Reply
    11. Krista says

      June 19, 2018 at 12:26 pm

      I love a good Italian pasta salad! I have to try yours out!

      Reply
    12. Renee says

      June 19, 2018 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      I love a good pasta salad, and this one looks like a real winner!

      Reply
    13. Toni says

      June 19, 2018 at 6:37 am

      5 stars
      This will quickly become a favorite this summer!

      Reply
    14. I Heart Naptime says

      June 18, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      Looks SO delicious! Perfect for Summer BBQ's!

      Reply
    15. Amanda says

      June 18, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is my all time favorite! Best combination of food out there!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        June 18, 2018 at 4:51 pm

        I agree! I could eat it every day! 😀

        Reply
        • Bev Dop says

          June 29, 2022 at 10:57 am

          5 stars
          i am 91 years old, have made this for graduation parties of twenty two grandchildren and countless other celebrations! It always results in positive comments.

          Reply
          • Anna says

            July 08, 2022 at 4:31 pm

            I absolutely love that! Thank you for sharing, Bev!

            Reply

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