Italian Pasta Salad Zesty

Category: Quick Dishes For When You're Already Hungry

This Italian pasta salad brings together rotini pasta, creamy mozzarella, savory salami or sausage, ripe cherry tomatoes, black olives, and vibrant parsley for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish. Everything is tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, herbs, and a touch of garlic. Serve chilled for an easy lunch, side, or picnic favorite that tastes even better after marinating in the fridge. Feel free to add extra vegetables or swap the proteins for your own twist.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 23:10:05 GMT
A bowl of Italian pasta salad. Save
A bowl of Italian pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

This Italian pasta salad is one of those dreamy dishes I keep in rotation for busy weeks and gatherings because it is as crowd-pleasing as it is simple. Fresh mozzarella and smoky salami mingle with olives and tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing that soaks in deeper after a little chill time. Whether you are meal prepping or heading to a summer picnic, this pasta salad hits all the right notes for flavor and convenience.

The mix of tender pasta with salty cheese and fresh vegetables makes this one disappear fast at potlucks and family parties. My kids ask for extra dressing every time.

Ingredients

  • Rotini pasta: creates plenty of nooks for the dressing and holds up well to refrigeration. Choose a good quality brand for best texture
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls: offer creamy richness. If only large mozzarella balls are available, chop into bite size pieces
  • Salami or pepperoni or beef summer sausage: bring that classic salty depth. Choose a thicker cut for more chew
  • Black olives: give briny punch. Look for the freshest jar or can with a firm texture
  • Red onion: brings brightness and color. Go for a small firm onion to avoid overpowering the salad
  • Cherry tomatoes: add juicy sweetness. Ripe and firm tomatoes work best
  • Fresh Italian parsley: brightens every bite. Fresh herbs are worth the extra few minutes of chopping
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese: boosts the savory finish. Grate your own for texture and flavor
  • Pepperoncinis: give a hit of tangy heat optional but always welcome
  • Olive oil: forms the foundation of the homemade dressing. Use extra virgin for fruitier flavor
  • Red wine vinegar: adds zesty balance. Check for good acidity without bitterness
  • Dried parsley flakes and minced onion: help flavor the dressing with an easy pantry staple twist
  • Lemon juice: sharpens the dressing with a citrus note. Use freshly squeezed if possible
  • Dried basil and oregano: bring comforting Italian flavor. Fresh works too if on hand
  • Garlic salt and granulated sugar: round out the seasoning and help balance the acidity
  • Black pepper: provides gentle spice. Crack it fresh if you can for fuller aroma

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Stir often and do not overcook. Once cooked to al dente drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool at least ten minutes but room temperature works too
Mix the Dressing:
In a glass jar or bowl whisk together olive oil red wine vinegar dried herbs lemon juice garlic salt sugar and black pepper. Mix until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust as needed. Refrigerate until needed
Combine the Salad:
Add cooled pasta to a big mixing bowl. Pour on half the dressing then toss to coat. Add mozzarella salami olives onion tomatoes parsley parmesan and any chopped pepperoncinis. Pour over the rest of the dressing and toss carefully until every ingredient is glossy and evenly dressed
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. The rest allows all the flavors to blend and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Stir again before scooping onto plates as the dressing settles on the bottom
A bowl of Italian pasta salad. Save
A bowl of Italian pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is those creamy mozzarella pearls that soak up the zesty dressing. When I made this for my dad’s birthday picnic last May the whole bowl vanished before we even started grilling burgers.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for four to five days and the flavors deepen over time. Give it a gentle toss before serving. If it looks dry add a splash of olive oil or an extra spoonful of dressing

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch in any short pasta you like such as penne or farfalle for rotini. Try turkey or chicken in place of the salami for a lighter take. Vegan cheese also works well if you want to go dairy free. For more veggies stir in diced bell pepper cucumber or even blanched asparagus

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is hearty enough as a main but is a classic side at barbecues and potlucks. I often serve it next to grilled chicken burgers or simple roasted vegetables. It also packs beautifully for a picnic or road trip lunch

A bowl of Italian pasta salad. Save
A bowl of Italian pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Italian pasta salads as we know them are more of an Italian American tradition than something you will find in Italy. The combination of zesty dressing meats cheese and veggies was popularized in the United States in the mid twentieth century and became a go to for family gatherings and church picnics. Each family adds its own twist which makes every bowl a little different

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Farfalle, penne, or any bite-sized pasta works well. Adjust cooking time as needed to keep the noodles al dente.

→ What proteins can be added?

In addition to salami or sausage, try cooked ham, grilled chicken, or even make it meatless by increasing the veggies.

→ How long can this salad be stored?

It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

→ Is it necessary to make the dressing from scratch?

No, bottled Italian dressing is a convenient alternative. However, homemade gives the freshest flavor and can be customized to your taste.

→ Can this be made gluten free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten free pasta and confirm all other ingredients suit your dietary needs.

→ What vegetables can I add for variety?

Chopped cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrot, or sautéed zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli bring extra flavors and nutrition.

Italian Pasta Salad Zesty

Colorful Italian pasta salad with zesty dressing, mozzarella, salami, and crisp veggies—perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: 30-Minute Miracles

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta Salad

01 1 pound rotini pasta, uncooked
02 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls or chopped into pieces
03 8 ounces salami, pepperoni, or beef summer sausage
04 6 ounces black olives, pitted and sliced
05 1/2 red onion, diced
06 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (224g), halved
07 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (50g)
09 pepperoncinis, sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

10 3/4 cup olive oil (150g)
11 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (58g)
12 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
13 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
14 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
15 1 teaspoon dried basil
16 1 teaspoon dried oregano
17 1 teaspoon garlic salt
18 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
19 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried parsley flakes, dried minced onion, fresh lemon juice, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic salt, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake before serving.

Step 02

Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then let cool for at least 10 minutes.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with half of the prepared salad dressing and toss. Add the fresh mozzarella cheese, salami, black olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, parmesan cheese, and pepperoncinis if using. Pour in the remaining dressing and toss everything to combine.

Step 04

Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Tips

  1. Make this dish ahead and store for up to 4–5 days for easy meal prep.
  2. You can customize the salad by adding extra vegetables, swapping meats, or using gluten-free pasta.

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella and parmesan cheese
  • May contain gluten if using regular pasta

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 664
  • Fats: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 23 g