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A vibrant close-up of a large bowl of homemade italian pasta salad with rotini, salami, tomatoes, olives, and cheese on a wooden table.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant and easy-to-make Italian pasta salad features tri-color rotini, salami, fresh veggies, cheeses, and a tangy Italian vinaigrette. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for parties, picnics, or busy weeknights.
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz tri-color rotini pasta
  • 8 oz salami, diced
  • 1 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot Used to cook pasta to al dente.
  • Large mixing bowl For combining all ingredients.
  • cutting board and knife To dice vegetables, meats, and cheese.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons To ensure proper ratios of dressing and seasonings.

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Let it cool completely.
  3. Prepare remaining ingredients: dice salami, halve tomatoes, slice olives, and dice all bell peppers and red onion. Chop fresh parsley.
  4. Add cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add in all chopped ingredients, cubed mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Pour Italian vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and intensify.

Notes

Substitute salami with pepperoni, grilled chicken, or chickpeas. For more freshness, add chopped basil or oregano. For best results, chill at least 2 hours before serving.