The Best Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Pasta salad bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate like a summer symphony.

Mediterranean ingredients craft this simple dish into a culinary masterpiece of refreshing delight.

Crisp vegetables and tangy herbs mingle together, creating a sensational blend of colors and textures.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through rustic Italian countryside cuisine.

Colorful ingredients intermingle, bringing brightness and excitement to your dining experience.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe offers a perfect balance of nutritious components and bold tastes.

Refreshing and versatile, pasta salad adapts beautifully to different occasions and meal preferences.

Classic Pasta Salad Done the Italian Way

• Savor Summer Freshness: Bursting with crisp, colorful vegetables and tangy dressing, this pasta salad captures the essence of sunny days and outdoor gatherings.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and offering a delicious make-ahead option that saves time and reduces stress for hosts.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe allows you to swap ingredients, experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or add protein for a personalized touch that keeps every bite exciting and unique.
• No-Fuss Meal Prep Champion: Chills perfectly in the refrigerator, develops deeper flavors over time, and serves as a perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday lunches.

What You’ll Need for a Zesty Pasta Bowl

• Rotini Pasta, Penne Pasta: Classic Italian pasta shapes perfect for holding dressing and maintaining texture in cold salads.

• Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Colorful and crisp vegetables that add vibrant flavor and crunch to the pasta salad.
• Black Olives: Briny Mediterranean-style olives that provide a salty, tangy flavor profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that adds creamy texture and subtle milky taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that provides a rich, salty depth to the overall dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, green herb that adds fresh flavor and visual appeal.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the pasta salad.

• Italian Salad Dressing: Zesty, herbed dressing that ties all ingredients together with a classic Mediterranean flavor.

How to Whip Up an Italian-Inspired Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water, then drain completely. Transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cool Pasta

Let the pasta sit and cool down, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables and Cheese

• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Olives
• Mozzarella cheese (cubed)
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all chopped vegetables and cheeses to the cooled pasta. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Season and Taste

Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final stir and do a quick taste test. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Italian pasta salad!

Tips to Keep Pasta and Veggies Flavorful

• Master Al Dente Cooking: Cook pasta precisely to maintain a firm texture, avoiding mushy results by following package time recommendations and testing doneness.
• Chill for Flavor Infusion: Allow pasta salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, letting ingredients meld and dressing absorb into pasta for maximum taste.
• Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Dice vegetables into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor in every forkful.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella and ripe vegetables to elevate the overall taste and texture of the pasta salad.
• Dress Just Before Serving: Add extra dressing or seasonings right before serving to refresh the salad's flavors and prevent soggy ingredients.

Storage Advice for Freshness in Every Forkful

• Refrigerate Immediately: Transfer leftover pasta salad into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Quickly: Enjoy the pasta salad within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. The fresh vegetables and cheese will gradually lose their crispness, so consume sooner rather than later.
• Revive Easily: Before serving chilled leftovers, give the pasta salad a gentle stir to redistribute dressing and ingredients. Add a splash of olive oil or extra dressing if the salad seems dry. Serve directly from the refrigerator for the best flavor and crunch.

What to Serve Alongside This Picnic Staple

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this vibrant pasta salad with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy dressing and fresh vegetables.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread to add a delightful crunch and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Balance with Grilled Protein: Enhance the meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to transform the pasta salad into a complete, satisfying dinner.
• Cool Down with Sparkling Water: Enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a lemon slice to cleanse the palate and balance the salad's rich flavors.

Creative Mix-Ins for Your Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Elevate the classic recipe by adding fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. Replace some mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Pasta: Incorporate grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a hearty main course. Add a protein punch while maintaining the fresh vegetable crunch.
• Veggie Lover's Edition: Expand the vegetable mix with roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Introduce jalapeños, black beans, and corn kernels. Swap the Italian dressing for a cilantro-lime vinaigrette to give the pasta salad a vibrant southwestern kick.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Summer’s signature pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Crisp vegetables, tangy herbs, and al dente pasta combine in a refreshing medley that delivers pure Italian comfort to your fork.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 ounces (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 3.8 ounces (108 grams) sliced black olives

Cheese and Herbs:

• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning and Dressing:

• ½ cup (80 grams) chopped red onion
• 1 cup (236 milliliters) Italian dressing
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Carefully add pasta and cook until perfectly tender yet firm (al dente), following the package’s recommended cooking time, typically 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta in a colander, immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process, and drain thoroughly.
4. Transfer pasta to a spacious mixing bowl, gently spreading it out to cool and prevent clumping, occasionally stirring to release excess heat.
5. While pasta cools, precisely dice bell peppers into uniform small cubes, slice ripe tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and roughly chop green olives.
6. Cut fresh mozzarella into small, bite-sized cubes and finely grate Parmesan cheese.
7. Chop fresh parsley leaves into delicate, fine pieces.
8. Combine the cooled pasta with chopped vegetables, mozzarella cubes, Parmesan, and parsley in the mixing bowl.
9. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the ingredients, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
10. Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
11. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
12. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle stir, taste once more, and make any last-minute seasoning adjustments.

Notes

• Chill the pasta salad for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
• Rinse pasta with cool water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and premium mozzarella to elevate the overall flavor and authenticity of the dish.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time, as it tastes even better when the ingredients have had time to marinate and absorb the dressing.
• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, proteins like grilled chicken, or experimenting with different types of cheese to make it your own.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, giving you a delicious and convenient meal prep option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg