Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is filled with twirly pasta, plenty of veggies, chopped pepperoni and a zippy Italian dressing.

I love this pasta salad recipe because it’s so easy to make and pairs perfectly with homemade Hamburgers, Grilled Chicken or Steak!

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (1)

This easy pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish to take to any potluck or summer party. It’s cool and refreshing and packed with goodies.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Whenever I bring this colorful pasta salad to a get together, it’s always the first thing gone.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to make this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

  • Tri Colored Rotini Pasta – the three colored pasta makes this pasta salad stand out among the rest.
  • Broccoli – you can swap out for a different veggie or leave out completely if you prefer.
  • English Cucumber – the peels are softer and easier to eat.
  • Red Bell Pepper – chopped
  • Black Olives – sliced
  • Pepperoni – chopped
  • Purple Onion – gives the salad a nice pop of flavor
  • Italian Dressing – you can use store bought, or my favorite go-to Italian dressing recipe (shared below)

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (2)

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad

My quick Italian Pasta Salad recipe comes together really fast once you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

BOIL PASTA

Start by cooking the pasta in boiling water, according to the package instructions. Just before the pasta is tender, add in the chopped broccoli to allow it to cook slightly.

PRO TIP: Cooking the broccoli like this will make it easier to digest and eat in the finished pasta salad.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (3)

COOL PASTA AND BROCCOLI

Run the cooked pasta and broccoli under cool water in a strainer to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starches. Set the cooled pasta and broccoli aside.

CHOP VEGGIES AND COMBINE

While the pasta is cooking, prepare all the chopped veggies to go into your pasta salad and place them in a large bowl.

PRO TIP:Make sure to chop your purple onion small so it’s not a big mouthful of raw onion in one bite.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (4)

ADD ITALIAN DRESSING

Once you have all the pasta salad ingredients in the large bowl, pour in the Italian dressing and toss to combine.

Cover and chill the pasta salad until you’re ready to serve. Make sure to toss one more time before serving.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (5)

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing

When I’m in a pinch for time, I’ll grab a bottle of Italian dressing from the store and use that for this pasta salad recipe. But when I really want to impress, I’ll make my own and it’s actually quite easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped curly leaf parsley
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

How To Mix Dressing

To make this Italian Dressing, simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.

PRO TIP: I like to use a mason jar with a lid and give it a good shake, then use this handy dressing lid for pouring.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips and Variations

Pasta salad is a great way to clean out the fridge and use up any leftover veggies from the week.

You can really customize what goes in there, and truly make it your own. Here are a few recipe tips and variations for pasta salad that I think you will like.

  • Use any leftover veggies from the fridge to add texture and variety to your pasta salad.
  • Add cubed cheese or shredded cheese
  • Toss in some grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
  • Swap out the rotini pasta with your favorite small shape or use a variety of shapes.

How To Store Italian Pasta Salad

Pasta salad will typically last up to 3-5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, making it a great option for making ahead of time.

If you decide to add cheese to the pasta salad, then the shelf life will be a little shorter.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (7)

More Pasta Salad Recipes

If there’s one dish that you can count on being widely accepted at potlucks and parties, it’s a cool pasta salad. I’ve got plenty of delicious, family friendly pasta salad recipes you’re sure to enjoy.

  • Classic Macaroni Salad
  • Olive Tortellini Pasta Salad
  • Creamy Corn Pasta Salad
  • Easy Shrimp Pasta Salad – a family favorite!
  • Asparagus Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (8)

I can’t wait for you to give this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe a try! I know you’re going to love it as much as we do!

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (9)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

4.97 from 32 votes

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish that's full of veggies and flavor!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 291 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. tri colored rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
  • 1 ½ cups English cucumber, cut into half circles
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 6 oz black olives, sliced
  • ½ cup purple onion, diced
  • 1 cup pepperoni, sliced (quartered)
  • 1 ½ cup Italian salad dressing, *see notes

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta and 1 tsp olive oil. Cook until the pasta is al dente, and then add the broccoli florets. Cook 2 more minutes and then stain pasta and broccoli in a colander and run cold water over it until the pasta and broccoli are cooled. Drain completely and set aside.

  • In a large bowl combine the sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, onion and pepperoni. Add in the pasta and broccoli and stir to combine. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat.

  • Cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve (up to 4 hours ahead of time for best results). Stir again before serving. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

*Italian Salad Dressing- you can use store bought or my go-to dressing that's perfect for any pasta or salad...

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 3 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped curly leaf parsley
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Combine the ingredients above in a mason jar and shake. Pour over pasta salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords: broccoli, Cucumber, Italian, olives, Pasta, pepperoni, Salad, sweet pepper

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?don't forget to share a picture and mention @iwashyoudry on Instagram or tag #iwashyoudry!

Related Posts

  • Asparagus Pasta Salad

    This cool and refreshing Asparagus Pasta Salad recipe is filled…

  • Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

    Thai Chicken Pasta Salad is cool, creamy and absolutely perfect…

  • Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe

    I'm just going to come right out and say it...…

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What veggies go in an Italian pasta salad? ›

This pasta salad with broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Should you let pasta cool before making pasta salad? ›

My Best Pasta Salad Tips

I find that the higher time range listed on box instructions is usually just about right for pasta salad. Let your pasta cool completely before tossing it with the other ingredients. If it's still warm, the hot pasta will start to cook and wilt the veggies.

Why does my pasta salad have no flavor? ›

Cold foods taste blander because the cold dulls our tastebuds a bit. This means that even properly seasoned pasta salad might be a little bland just out of the fridge. Try this instead: Taste the salad again and add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of lemon juice to brighten it up just before serving.

What does Italian pasta have in it? ›

Usually, Italian pasta is made from 100 percent durum wheat, which is usually called semolina flour. Therefore, Italian pasta is higher in protein. Semolina flour also stands up to the rigors of the cooking process much better than other types of flour.

What do Italians put in their pasta? ›

Tomatoes and their saucy offspring are synonymous with Italy. But, tomato-based sauces are mainly eaten in the country's South. In other Italian regions, a panoply of tomato-free options abounds – including cacio e pepe (Rome), radicchio and gorgonzola (the Veneto), and squid ink sauce (seaside areas).

What is most Italian pasta made of? ›

The traditional Italian pasta, made from durum wheat, is popular in northern Italy in dishes with a tomato- or cream-based sauce. Its firm texture and shape allow the noodle to pair with soups, hearty meat sauces, baked recipes, cheesy sauces, and light dressings for easy pasta salads.

Does pasta salad contain mayo? ›

In addition to the mayonnaise and sour cream, we use these ingredients: Yellow mustard adds a bit of color and rounds out the flavor of the dressing nicely. We usually use Dijon mustard in our recipes, but just like when making our potato salad, we prefer regular yellow mustard for the best pasta salad.

What is the best olive oil for pasta salad? ›

The flavor is rich and super tangy.” If you prefer an oil-based pasta salad over a mayo-based pasta salad, using quality, flavorful oil is key. You can't go wrong with California Olive Ranch's extra virgin olive oil.

Why is my pasta salad not creamy? ›

The key to keeping macaroni salad from drying out is the pasta. If you don't cook it enough, the pasta won't grab on to the dressing and will dry out. If you overcook the pasta, it will be completely soggy and gross. Cook the pasta just right, and your macaroni salad will stay perfectly creamy.

Should pasta always be rinsed in cool water after cooking? ›

No, in almost every case, you should not rinse pasta after it's cooked. It's true that rinsing noodles or pasta after cooking halts the cooking process. “This is also known as shocking,” Tiess says. But rinsing also removes the starch water after the noodles are strained, which is what helps adhere sauce to noodles.

How can I make my salad more flavorful? ›

12 Easy Ways to Make Salad Taste Amazing – Seriously
  1. Make Your Salad a Spectacle. ...
  2. Mix and Match Leaves. ...
  3. Upgrade Your Salad Dressings. ...
  4. Massage Your Salad Greens. ...
  5. Toss in Cooked Veggies. ...
  6. Add Fresh Herbs. ...
  7. Sweeten with Fruit. ...
  8. Heat Your Salad Dressing.
Mar 9, 2022

Is it best to make pasta salad the day before? ›

→ Follow this tip: While it will stay good for a couple days, it's best to make pasta salad the day of or the day before you plan to eat it.

What veggies do Italians eat with pasta? ›

Almost any vegetable can be added, courgettes, aubergines, artichokes, peas, broad beans and so on. They can be used with tomatoes of not, sometimes with some cheese (parmigiano reggiano, ricotta forte, ricotta salata, pecorino and so on) grated in the end.

What vegetables to add to pasta? ›

Here's a variety of tasty vegetables you can load into your pasta for their flavor, fiber, and nutrients.
  1. Broccoli. Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that makes a great addition to any pasta dish. ...
  2. Mushrooms. ...
  3. Peas. ...
  4. Spinach. ...
  5. Tomatoes. ...
  6. Asparagus.
Apr 11, 2022

What vegetables are in Italian blend vegetables? ›

Ingredients & Nutrition

ZUCCHINI, CARROTS, CAULIFLOWER, ITALIAN GREEN BEANS, LIMA BEANS, RED BELL PEPPER.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 6161

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.