Italian Pasta Salad

Big summer gatherings call for great pasta salad recipes, and this classic Italian version delivers every time. It’s full of big, bold flavors—a mix of salty salami, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, and sweet cherry tomatoes and peppers, plus a light dressing that gives the whole thing just the right amount of zing.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility: It travels well, holds up beautifully in warm weather, and it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, so you can (and should!) make it ahead. Every host needs a handful of delicious summer side dishes in their back pocket, and this is just the one to pull out for picnics, potlucks, and cookouts.

What dressing goes on Italian pasta salad?

This version is tossed with a flavorful vinaigrette made with herby pesto (make your own using this pesto recipe or use store-bought), garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It’s zippy, light, and completely mayonnaise-free.

What’s the best pasta for Italian pasta salad?

Any pasta shape will work for this recipe, but shorter noodles are ideal. Rotini is a great choice because the tight spirals soak up all the tangy dressing, but penne, cavatappi, rigatoni, or even shells would also work well with these classic Italian ingredients.

Should you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

You bet! Rinsing the cooked pasta after draining helps it cool down quickly and keeps the noodles from sticking together.

How long does Italian pasta salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will stay fresh for up to three days. If you’re making it ahead for a gathering, wait to add the fresh herbs until just before serving, and toss the salad well to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.

What do you serve with Italian pasta salad?

This pasta salad goes great with everything from simple sandwiches at lunch to grilling recipes for dinner, like grilled pork chops, grilled chicken, and burgers.