If you’re hunting for a showstopper summer side, look no further than The Best Pasta Salad. This zippy, vibrant, and ultra-flavorful dish is bursting with a colorful medley of veggies, tender pasta, creamy cheese, and an herby homemade Italian dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds—if not thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Freshness: Each bite of The Best Pasta Salad bursts with juicy tomatoes, herb-flecked dressing, and crisp-tender veggies—there’s a reason it disappears so quickly!
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: This salad only gets better as it chills, making it your secret weapon for potlucks, picnics, or busy weeknights.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: You can easily swap in your favorite add-ins—or leave out what you don’t love—for a dish that earns rave reviews every time.
- Hearty, Satisfying, and Beautiful: With plenty of protein, veggies, and a stunning presentation, this is truly The Best Pasta Salad for every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—every ingredient in The Best Pasta Salad plays a starring role, weaving together texture, tang, and gorgeous color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for ultimate flavor and freshness!
- Pasta (rotini preferred): The spirals catch all that herby dressing, ensuring every forkful is full of flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy pop adds brilliant color and a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese balls: Creamy and soft, they bring decadence and a touch of richness to the salad.
- Salami: Choose your favorite type; the savory bites give classic Italian flair and extra heartiness.
- Kalamata olives: Their salty bite wakes up all the other flavors—don’t skip them unless you’re really not an olive person!
- Pepperoncini: These tangy rings bring a zippy, mildly spicy kick and a hint of crunch.
- Red onion: Thin slices add subtle sharpness and a pop of purple for color contrast.
- Fresh parsley: A generous amount brightens everything up, both in flavor and presentation!
- Olive oil: The base of our homemade dressing; make sure it’s good quality for best results.
- White (or red wine) vinegar: Essential for the salad’s lively tang—you can choose either based on preference.
- Garlic: Adds savory oomph to the dressing; use fresh or garlic powder for a milder flavor.
- Dry oregano & basil: The classic Italian herb duo that anchors the dressing with herby depth.
- Sugar: Just a touch softens the sharpness of the vinegar and brings the flavors together.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Don’t be shy—these make every ingredient stand out.
- Fresh herbs (optional): If you happen to have basil, parsley, or chives on hand, toss some in for extra freshness.
Variations
The Best Pasta Salad is endlessly adaptable and honestly, that’s half the fun! Swap out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, your guests’ dietary needs, or simply your mood—let this recipe become your own signature creation.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the salami (or swap it for roasted chickpeas) for a meat-free option that’s still full of flavor and protein.
- Vegan Delight: Use a sturdy vegan cheese or cubes of marinated tofu, and double the veggies so every bite is extra colorful and hearty.
- Swap the Pasta Shape: Try penne, farfalle, or even orzo for a different look and fun texture—just avoid anything too delicate.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, or even blanched green beans for added crunch and color.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a few red pepper flakes, or use hot pepperoncini for spice chasers in your group.
How to Make The Best Pasta Salad
Step 1: Whip Up the Homemade Italian Dressing
In a small blender or food processor, combine olive oil, vinegar, water, salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and a crack of fresh black pepper—then blitz until well combined. If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, toss a handful in for extra brightness!
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add a generous tablespoon of kosher salt for flavor. Cook your rotini (or other preferred pasta) according to package directions until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and chill the noodles, then toss with a little olive oil so nothing sticks.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
Add your cooled pasta to a gigantic serving bowl, then pile in the tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley. Pour the zippy dressing over the top and toss (I mean, really toss!) so every nook and cranny gets coated. Finish with a shower of fresh herbs for that gorgeous finish.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Pasta Salad
- Chill for Max Flavor: Let the tossed salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight!) so the pasta absorbs all that zesty Italian dressing magic.
- Double the Dressing for Make-Ahead: If assembling ahead of time, whip up an extra batch of dressing to stir in just before serving to revive and freshen every bite.
- Cut Ingredients to Match Pasta Size: Keep everything bite-sized for ultimate fork-to-mouth happiness—no oversized tomatoes or cheese balls, please!
- Warm Your Herbs Gently: Add any fresh herbs right at the end and don’t be afraid to gently toss them with your hands to wake up their aroma—this simple step makes The Best Pasta Salad taste restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve The Best Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Before setting out your bowl, shower the salad with a handful of fresh parsley, basil, or even a few extra mozzarella pearls for gleam. Cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky salt over the top brings everything to life—don’t skip this last-minute flourish!
Side Dishes
The Best Pasta Salad shines as a potluck star, but it especially loves company: pair it alongside smoky grilled chicken, simple fish, crusty bread, or even a platter of grilled veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Mound the salad inside a crisp lettuce-lined bowl, or serve family-style on a rimmed platter dotted with fresh herbs and extra olives—guests will swoon. For picnics, pack The Best Pasta Salad into individual mason jars, layering vibrant ingredients for a portable, Instagram-worthy treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days in a tightly covered container. In fact, it’s one of those magical recipes that only gets better and more flavorful as it sits overnight!
Freezing
While it’s tempting to want to save a stash for later, The Best Pasta Salad doesn’t freeze well—the pasta and veggies lose their texture after thawing. Better to enjoy it fresh or within a few days.
Reheating
Pasta salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s just out of the fridge and too firm, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, give it a toss, and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt if needed.
FAQs
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Can I make The Best Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to develop and mingle, which takes the salad from delicious to legendary. Just be sure to save a little extra dressing to toss in right before serving so nothing dries out.
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What pasta shapes work best for pasta salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne are perfect for holding onto all the goodies and dressing. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair—they just don’t stand up to the hearty mix-ins.
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How can I make The Best Pasta Salad gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be sure to rinse the cooked noodles extra well so they don’t get gummy. Double-check your dressing ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
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Can I leave out the olives or salami?
Of course! The Best Pasta Salad is all about flexibility—just amp up the veggies or add another protein (like grilled chicken or chickpeas) if you wish. Make it your own, and it’ll always be a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s as easy as it is crave-worthy, you have to try The Best Pasta Salad. From backyard barbecues to quiet lunches, this bowl of color and flavor is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around your table. Dive in, get creative, and let this classic become your new favorite!
Print
The Best Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 10+ 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This recipe for the best pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines flavorful Italian dressing with a variety of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salami, olives, and peppers. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (red wine vinegar works too)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (see notes)
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons each dry oregano and dry basil
- black pepper to taste
- fresh herbs if you want! sometimes I add fresh parsley, basil, or chives.
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (preferably rotini)
- one 10-oz. package cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half if needed
- 8 ounces salami, cut into cubes or thin strips (see notes for types)
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Blend up the dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor. (You’ll want to double the dressing if you’re making it ahead – see notes for more details!)
- Cook Pasta: Bring 4 quarts water + 1 tablespoon kosher salt to a large pot and bring to a boil – salting the water gives more flavor to the pasta itself. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss Together: Add pasta and remaining ingredients to a very large bowl. Cover with dressing and toss to combine. Add more parsley on top for making it pretty!
Notes
- You can customize this pasta salad by adding or substituting your favorite ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or different cheeses.
- To make this salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss with the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
