Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Nothing says summer gatherings like a cold pasta salad recipe packed with fresh veggies, bold flavor, and zesty Italian dressing. This Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and makes the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. With tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, black olives, and creamy mozzarella, you’ll have the best pasta salad for any occasion.
The beauty of pasta salad is how flexible it is—you can add your favorite pasta shape, homemade Italian dressing, or whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. It’s a great choice when you want a refreshing, classic Italian pasta salad that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes
- Rotini Pasta – A short pasta shape with ridges that hold onto dressing for best results.
- Red Bell Peppers – Add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Yellow Bell Peppers – Bright and mild, a key ingredient for a balanced flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper – A slightly sharper taste for bold flavor.
- Cucumber – Keeps the salad light, fresh, and hydrating.
- Black Olives – Salty and earthy, a classic pasta salad ingredient.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy cherry tomatoes give a burst of sweetness.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh mozzarella balls or cubes add creaminess.
- Garlic powder – A subtle flavor boost without overpowering fresh vegetables.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
- Italian Dressing – Use a bottle of Italian dressing from the grocery store or your own Italian dressing for homemade flavor.
Cook pasta until al dente, rinse in cool water, and toss with dressing once fully drained.
Yes, a bottle of Italian dressing from the grocery store works great, though homemade Italian dressing adds more control over flavor.
Yes, a bottle of Italian dressing from the grocery store works great, though homemade Italian dressing adds more control over flavor.
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- Cooking the pasta to al dente is important with this recipe. No one wants mushy pasta salad!
- You can use different veggies to change this up!
- Garlic powder is the secret ingredient that give it a “Wow!” factor! You can make it without it, but once you give it a try…you won’t want to leave it out!
- “Zesty” style Italian dressing works best for Italian pasta salad.
If your a meat lover, you can add pepperoni, salami or ham to this recipe too!
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain well, and set aside.
- Cut up vegetables to equal about 3 cups total. You can use more or less of your favorite.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. If desired, add more parmesan on top before serving.
Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
- 3/4 cup diced red bell peppers
- 3/4 cup diced yellow bell peppers
- 3/4 cup diced green bell peppers
- 3/4 diced cucumbers
- 1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain well, and set aside.
- Cut up vegetables to equal about 3 cups total. You can use more or less of your favorite.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. If desired, add more parmesan on top before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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