Fresh, zesty, and loaded with Mediterranean flavors, Italian pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy meal prep. It’s vibrant, customizable, and even better the next day.
⏱️ Quick Info
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended)
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Servings: 6
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Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
Salad
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12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¾ cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced
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⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup black olives, sliced
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¾ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
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½ cup sliced salami or pepperoni (optional)
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Italian Dressing
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⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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3 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ tsp honey or sugar
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Salt & black pepper to taste
(Shortcut: use ¾ cup bottled Italian dressing.)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
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Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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Let cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a jar or bowl, whisk:
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olive oil
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vinegar
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Dijon
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Italian seasoning
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garlic
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honey
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salt & pepper
Shake or whisk until emulsified.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
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cooled pasta
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tomatoes
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cucumber
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bell pepper
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red onion
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olives
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mozzarella
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salami (if using)
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herbs
4️⃣ Toss & Chill
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Pour dressing over salad.
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Toss well to coat.
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Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
5️⃣ Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
⭐ Pro Tips
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Salt pasta water well — it’s your only chance to season the pasta.
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Don’t overdress at first; pasta absorbs dressing as it chills.
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For best texture, add extra dressing just before serving.
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Cut veggies uniformly for pretty presentation.
🔄 Easy Variations
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Vegetarian: skip salami
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Protein boost: add grilled chicken or chickpeas
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Low-carb: use chickpea or lentil pasta
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Creamy version: mix in 2–3 tbsp mayo
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Spicy: add banana peppers or chili flakes
🥗 Serving Ideas
Perfect for:
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BBQ sides
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lunch meal prep
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potlucks
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summer dinners
🔢 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~280
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Protein: ~10g
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Carbs: ~32g
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Fat: ~13g
WW Points: ~6–8 per serving
❓ FAQs
How long does it keep?
Fridge: up to 4 days.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it actually tastes better after chilling.
Why is my pasta salad dry next day?
Pasta absorbs dressing — add a splash more before serving.