Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Easily Make This Gluten Free!
Today, I’m thrilled to share a classic recipe that’s a hit at any gathering: Italian Pasta Salad. This dish is not only colorful and vibrant but also bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light, refreshing meal on a warm day. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: Packed with Italian herbs, veggies, and cheese.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a main course.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Gluten Free: Easily make this recipe gluten free by using Barilla Gluten Free Penne Pasta.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta (my favorite: Barilla Gluten Free Penne Pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup Italian Dressing
-Or Homemade-
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Other Ingredients
- Chop and Dice: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives. Dice the salami or pepperoni and halve the mozzarella balls.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Tip: Skip this step and use bottled Italian Dressing!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, salami or pepperoni, and fresh basil.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Tips for the Best Italian Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and veggies make a big difference in flavor.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
- Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or different cheeses.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious and vibrant Italian pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its fresh flavors and beautiful presentation. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Buon appetito!
Try another favorite recipe! Our Journey To Home’s Authentic Italian Bolognese
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I hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know how your jam turned out in the comments!
-Hailee
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VISIT OUR JOURNEY TO HOME’S WALMART STOREFRONT
SHOP THIS RECIPE
Mixing Bowls | Spatula | Knives | Cutting Board | Mixing Spoon
Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box rotini or penne pasta | sub Barilla Gluten Free Pasta for GF
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, sliced optional
- ½ cup black olives, sliced optional
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, quartered
- ½ cup pepperoni or salami, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1 cup italian dressing
Or Homemade
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Other Ingredients
- Chop and Dice: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and black olives. Dice the salami or pepperoni and quarter the mozzarella balls.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Tip: Skip this step and use bottled Italian Dressing!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, salami or pepperoni, and fresh basil.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
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