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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

More Awesome Side Dishes

• Buttered Green Beans
• Guacamole
• Potato Salad
• Dinner Rolls

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