This easy italian pasta salad is the best summer side

There is something truly magical about a vibrant bowl of pasta salad blooming with fresh, seasonal ingredients at your table. Whether you are hosting a lively backyard gathering or packing a delicious weekday lunch, this dish brings instant joy and color to any plate. 🌿

Our signature version is a beautiful medley of tender rotini, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all tossed with savory salami, pepperoni, and creamy mozzarella pearls. Every single bite is perfectly coated in a zesty, herb-infused dressing that highlights the natural flavors of summer. 🍅🧀

Not only is this recipe incredibly simple to whip up, but it also tastes even better as it sits and allows the flavors to mature in the fridge. Get ready to elevate your meal prep routine with a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone reaching for seconds. 🥗✨

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
• 4 oz Genoa salami, chopped
• 4 oz pepperoni slices, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup zesty Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Shopping List

• Produce: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 English cucumber, 1 red onion, 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Deli: 4 oz Genoa salami, 4 oz sliced pepperoni
• Dairy & Eggs: 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, 1 container grated Parmesan cheese
• Pantry: 16 oz rotini pasta, 1 can sliced black olives, 1 bottle zesty Italian dressing, dried oregano

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Helpful Tips

• Achieve Perfect Al Dente: Cook your pasta until it has just a slight bite left; overcooked pasta will turn mushy and break apart when tossed with the heavy ingredients.
• The Cold Rinse Method: Immediately rinse your drained pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starches for a non-sticky salad base.
• Enhance the Flavor Depth: Prep this dish a few hours ahead of time. Letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the pasta to absorb the herb vinaigrette like a sponge.
• Brighten with Fresh Add-ins: Feel free to customize this salad with marinated artichoke hearts, sliced pepperoncini for a spicy kick, or toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions for al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain the pasta immediately in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
3. While the pasta cooks, prep your vegetables and meats. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, chop the salami, and slice the pepperoni.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella pearls.
5. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley.
6. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed and beautifully coated in the dressing.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Serve this colorful Italian pasta salad slightly chilled or at room temperature in a wide, rustic bowl garnished with extra fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers, crusty garlic bread, or charred summer vegetables. Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and give it a quick toss with a fresh splash of Italian dressing before serving to restore its vibrant shine.

We hope this refreshing dish brings a burst of flavor to your table! We would love to hear how you customized your bowl, so please leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below.