Italian Pasta Salad: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Dish
A vibrant and easy Italian pasta salad featuring al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, and salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper diced
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
- ¾ cup sliced salami or pepperoni
- ¾ to 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Substitutions
- Pasta Rotini, penne, fusilli, or tortellini
- Meat Grilled chicken, prosciutto, or omit for vegetarian
- Cheese Feta, provolone, or shredded parmesan
- Veggies Zucchini, artichokes, red onions, or roasted red peppers
- Dressing Homemade vinaigrette or creamy Caesar
Dietary Options
- Vegetarian omit meat
- Vegan omit meat/cheese, use plant-based dressing
- Gluten-Free use gluten-free pasta
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by halving tomatoes, dicing cucumber and bell pepper, and slicing olives. Cube mozzarella cheese and slice salami or pepperoni.
- Combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, cheese, and meat in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in 3/4 cup of Italian dressing and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed to taste.
- Season the salad with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning or dressing if necessary.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Flavors improve when made ahead; prepare up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Do not freeze.
- If the salad appears dry after chilling, add a splash more dressing before serving.
Notes
This pasta salad is best made ahead, as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Ensure pasta is cooked al dente and rinsed with cold water to maintain its texture. Start with less dressing and add more after chilling, as the pasta will absorb liquid. Gently toss ingredients to avoid bruising. Limit room temperature exposure to under 2 hours for food safety.