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Recipes » Pasta » Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Posted on June 26, 2020 By Chef Billy Parisi

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Be the star of the party with this very easy to make pasta salad recipe jam-packed with veggies, meat, and an amazing homemade balsamic vinaigrette

Whenever I go to a get together I am all about the side dishes.  I want to be able to try as many things as possible and some of my absolute favorites are vinegar coleslaw and Polenta.

large bowl of italian pasta salad with fresh herbs

Pasta Salad

I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten the same two pasta salads in my life.  They are usually each loaded up with different noodles, veggies, and dressing, but that’s what makes them so good.  In my experience, most pasta salads can seem a little boring and bland, but that’s where an Italian pasta salad is that much better.

It has more ingredients and is usually fuller flavored.  Here are some typical ingredients in this recipe:

  • Noodles
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Cucumbers
  • Cured Meats
  • Dressing
  • Herbs
  • Cheese

Obviously, all of these things can be omitted or swapped out to customize it to your liking, and I highly encourage you to do so.  By simply changing out the cheese or herbs you can have a Greek pasta salad or a chicken pasta salad.  I can’t say it enough, make it work for you.

What’s the Best Noodle to Use?

The noodles that can be used is a bit subjective, however, I strongly recommend you use a shorter noodle and avoid long spaghetti or linguine type of noodles.  Here are some great noodles to use:

  • Orzo
  • Farfalle (bow tie)
  • Fusilli
  • Rotini
  • Penne
  • Cheese Tortellini

Pasta Salad Dressing

There are a number of different dressings you can use on this recipe and so much will depend on what you like.  While I believe a simple balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect complement to this salad, you can absolutely select one that you’d like.  Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, here are some great recommendations:

  • White Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Italian Dressing
  • Ranch
  • Vinegar and Oil
  • Poppy Seeds
  • Creamy

How to Make It

Follow these easy instructions for making this delicious recipe:

Start by boiling your noodles in salted water and drain and chill them in the refrigerator while you prepare all of the vegetables, dressing, and meats.

draining boiled noodle from a hot pot of water

Make the vinaigrette and set it aside until ready to dress.  Often times there will be some vinaigrette leftover.

making a homemade balsamic vinaigrette by pouring oil into a bowl of vinegar

Slice up all of the meats and vegetables and set them aside until the salad is ready to be made.

thinly slicing fresh cucumbers on a cutting board

Add all of the pasta salad ingredients into a very large bowl.

Adding prepared vegetables to a large bowl of cooked pasta

Dress the outside of the bowl with vinaigrette to ensure that when it’s mixed, each ingredient becomes coated in the dressing.

adding balsamic vinaigrette to the outside of a bowl of pasta salad

Serve it in a large bowl and garnish with fresh herbs.

adding italian pasta salad to a large serving bowl

Recipe Chef Notes + Tips

Make-Ahead: You can make this salad up to 2 days ahead of time.  It is advised to keep all of the ingredients separate before serving.

How to Store: Keep in a covered container for up to 4 days.  This will not freeze well.

If you want to assemble it later the best way to store the pasta is chilled and coated in a little bit of oil so that the noodles do not stick together.

I can’t stress enough, you can absolutely add more ingredients to this pasta salad such as zucchini, squash, different types of olives, etc.

homemade pasta salad with tomatoes, herbs, cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette

More Awesome Side Dishes

  • Buttered Green Beans
  • Guacamole
  • Potato Salad
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Macaroni and Cheese

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Pinterest, and if you’ve had a chance to make this then definitely drop me a comment and a rating below!

Video

large bowl of italian pasta salad with fresh herbs
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Be the star of the party with this very easy to make pasta salad recipe jam-packed with veggies, meat, and an amazing homemade balsamic vinaigrette
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 16
Calories: 198kcal
Author: Chef Billy Parisi

Ingredients

  • 1- pound fusilli noodles
  • 4 ounces sliced mortadella
  • 4 ounces sliced ham
  • 2 ounces sliced salami
  • ½ seeded and sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini’s
  • ½ cup sliced green olives
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ peeled and small diced red onion
  • 1 cup cilliegine mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons chiffonade basil
  • ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water add in the noodles and cook them until slightly crunchy or al dente, according to its package. Immediately chill the noodles under cold water and toss with some oil so that they do not stick and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • To Assemble: Add the cooked noodles, meats, cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncini’s, olives, onions, cilliegine, basil, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to a large bowl.
  • Add the dressing 1 large spoonful at a time to the outside of the bowl and mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula so that the ingredients don’t break up.
  • Serve cold.

Notes

Chef Notes:
  • Make-Ahead: You can make this salad up to 2 days ahead of time. It is advised to keep all of the ingredients separate before serving.
 
  • How to Store: Keep in a covered container for up to 4 days. This will not freeze well.
 
  • If you want to assemble it later the best way to store the pasta is chilled and coated in a little bit of oil so that the noodles do not stick together.
 
  • I can’t stress enough, you can absolutely add more ingredients to this pasta salad such as zucchini, squash, different types of olives, etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe was last modified: July 24th, 2020 by Chef Billy Parisi

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Comments

  1. Marilyn Brothers says

    August 26, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    The summer pasta salad is my menu for tonight. It look so refresing can’t wait for dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Chef Billy Parisi says

      August 27, 2016 at 9:03 am

      Thanks!!

      Reply
  2. Lindsey says

    August 25, 2016 at 9:25 am

    5 stars
    I cannot wait to try this!!!

    Reply
    • Chef Billy Parisi says

      August 25, 2016 at 9:39 am

      Thanks Lindsey!

      Reply

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ABOUT ME

I’m Billy Parisi and thanks for checking out my site! I’m a culinary school grad that spent 15 years in the restaurant industry as a line cook, sous chef and executive chef. Now I write recipes, take pictures of’em, shoot some video, occasionally hosting on TV, checking out the latest fashion, hangin with my wife and daughter and watching a whole bunch of college sports. Hope you enjoy my twists on classics as well as new innovations! Read More…

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