Go Back
–+ servings
Quick Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Quick Italian Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Guests

This Quick Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings, ready in 25-35 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini Noodles or penne or bowtie pasta
  • 5 oz Pepperoni consider turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
  • 5 oz Salami or substitute prosciutto
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or grape or diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives try Kalamata for a flavor twist
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper any colored bell pepper works
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper omit for less bitterness
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion or green onions or shallots
  • 1/3 cup Pepperoncini or banana peppers for different zest
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls or substitute with feta
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil flavored olive oil for richness
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar white wine or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed is best
  • to taste Parmesan, Herbs, and Spices adjust according to taste

Equipment

  • Pot
  • jar
  • Colander
  • bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, herbs, and spices. Seal the jar tightly and shake for about 30 seconds. Refrigerate.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
  3. Toss with Dressing: While pasta is warm, drizzle half the prepared dressing over it. Toss gently to coat every spiral.
  4. Add Ingredients: Chop all salad ingredients and add to the bowl with pasta. Mix gently with a spatula to combine.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Final Touches Before Serving: Toss with remaining dressing before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time, and the flavors become more pronounced as it sits.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!