I can’t get enough of this Classic Italian Pasta Salad—every forkful feels like a sun-kissed afternoon in a bustling Italian piazza. The bright pops of cherry tomatoes, the creamy mozzarella, and the glossy black olives all come together in a harmonious dance of flavors and textures. I remember the first time I made this salad for a summer barbecue; I thought it would be a simple side dish, but it quickly vanished from the buffet table within minutes. Guests kept coming back for seconds, charmed by the tangy dressing and the way the rotini spirals trapped little bursts of herbs and vinegar. It’s one of those recipes that feels both effortlessly elegant and warmly familiar, perfect for when you want to impress without standing over the stove for hours.
This dish is a toast to simplicity and freshness, yet it never feels plain. The crisp bite of the red onion, the savory salami, and the gentle kiss of garlic in the dressing give it just enough depth to keep you intrigued. It’s beginner-friendly, takes only about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, then requires just a 30-minute rest time for all the flavors to mingle. At around 350 calories per serving, it’s a healthy option that you can tweak any way you like—add cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch, or sprinkle red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back lunch, an appetizer for dinner, or packing a light take-to-work meal, this salad effortlessly adapts. So grab your favorite mixing bowl and get ready to bring a burst of flavor to your table with this vibrant and refreshing Classic Italian Pasta Salad!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Every vibrant strand and jewel-like morsel in this salad plays a specific role, combining to create that irresistible flavor symphony. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the overall experience.
- Rotini Pasta
The corkscrew shape of rotini not only looks fun but also holds dressing in every crevice, ensuring each bite is coated with flavor. Its slightly chewy texture provides a sturdy base for all the mix-ins.
- Cherry Tomatoes
These little bursts of juiciness bring bright sweetness and a refreshing pop. Halving them exposes their tender interiors and helps them meld seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini)
Soft and milky, these mini cheese spheres add a creamy, mild tang that tempers the acidity of the vinegar. Halving keeps them more bite-sized for uniformity in each forkful.
- Black Olives
Sliced olives introduce a salty, slightly bitter contrast that balances the richer ingredients. Their smooth texture also plays nicely against the firmer pasta spirals.
- Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a crisp bite and a subtle sharpness that elevates the overall flavor. It mellows slightly as it marinates in the dressing.
- Salami
Small pieces of salami bring a savory, smoky richness to the salad. The fatty notes of the cured meat enhance the lighter vegetables and cheese.
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Chopped basil infuses the salad with a bright, aromatic herbal kick. Adding it just before serving preserves its vibrant green hue and fresh flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar
This tangy vinegar is the acidic backbone of the dressing, cutting through the richness of the cheese and salami while brightening every ingredient.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rich and fruity, this oil binds the dressing, lending a silky mouthfeel and carrying the flavors of garlic and oregano throughout the salad.
- Garlic
A single minced clove adds a punchy, aromatic edge. It infuses the dressing with character without overpowering the other elements.
- Dried Oregano
This classic Italian herb brings earthy, savory notes that complement the tomatoes and olive oil perfectly.
- Salt
Essential for heightening all the flavors, a measured teaspoon ensures the salad isn’t flat or one-dimensional.
- Black Pepper
A half-teaspoon of freshly ground pepper provides a gentle warmth and light spice, rounding out the seasoning.
HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Let’s stroll through the steps together—cooking the pasta to tender perfection, crafting the tangy dressing, and then bringing everything together in a colorful bowl that’s begging to be devoured. Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a salad that tastes like it’s been crafted by an Italian nonna.
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, usually a minute or two less than package directions suggest. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch. Shake off any water and set the pasta aside to cool completely—this prevents the dressing from being watered down.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—if you want a bit more zing, add a splash more vinegar; for richness, add a dash more olive oil. Set aside so the flavors can marry.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled rotini, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped salami. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a balanced bite every time.
4. Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using gentle tossing motions, ensure every piece of pasta and produce is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes or cheeses.
5. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the top and give the salad one final, light toss. Serve it at room temperature or chilled for a truly refreshing experience.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
This pasta salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, but how you serve it can take it from delicious to downright unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting an al fresco gathering, prepping a weekday lunch, or simply elevating your dinner spread, these serving ideas will ensure your creation shines.
- Serve alongside grilled proteins: Pair the pasta salad with grilled chicken, hot-off-the-barbecue shrimp, or a juicy steak. The smoky char of the meat beautifully complements the bright, tangy flavors in the salad.
- Present it in individual mason jars: Layer pasta, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing for a grab-and-go feel. When you’re ready to eat, just shake, open, and enjoy a perfectly mixed portion.
- Accompany with fresh, crusty bread: Offer slices of garlic bread or a warm rustic baguette. Tearing off pieces and using them to scoop up the salad heightens the textural contrast and makes the meal even more interactive.
- Serve as a colorful picnic centerpiece: On a checkered blanket or picnic table, arrange the pasta salad in a large, clear bowl so that its vivid reds, greens, and whites can draw everyone in. Add sunflowers or bright napkins for an extra festive vibe.
HOW TO STORE CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD
Storing this salad properly ensures it maintains its bright flavor and ideal texture, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day. With a few simple tips, you’ll keep it tasting as fresh as the moment you first tossed it.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Transfer the salad into a sealed container within an hour of assembly. This locks in moisture and prevents the ingredients from drying out, keeping everything crisp and flavorful for up to two days.
- Keep the dressing separate: If you plan to store the salad longer or prepare it ahead of time, store the dressing in a small jar apart from the salad. Combine them just before serving to avoid soggy vegetables.
- Use shallow containers: Spreading the salad in a shallow dish helps it chill more quickly and evenly, which preserves freshness and guards against bacterial growth.
- Add fresh basil just before serving: If you know you’ll be enjoying the salad later, wait to toss in the basil until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the leaves from wilting and turning dark.
CONCLUSION
From its vibrant colors to its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, Classic Italian Pasta Salad is truly a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. We’ve covered every detail: from cooking the rotini to achieving that perfect al dente bite, to whisking up a bright, tangy dressing loaded with garlic and oregano, and finally tossing it all together with fresh basil. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe invites you to play around—swap in your favorite veggies, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or experiment with crumbled feta instead of mozzarella. All in all, you’ll find this salad checks every box: easy to make, beginner-friendly, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner option.
Feel free to print this article or save it in your digital recipe collection so you can revisit it whenever inspiration strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this Classic Italian Pasta Salad a try or have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment letting me know how it turned out for your family and friends, or drop any tips and tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking!
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Description
Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and tangy dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for gatherings or a light lunch. Each bite is a taste of Italy!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
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Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.
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Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, and salami.
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Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Garnish and serve: Just before serving, add the fresh basil leaves to the salad and toss again. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing taste.
Note
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
- You can substitute mozzarella balls with crumbled feta cheese for a different twist.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just toss again before serving.
