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Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist You’ll Love

Enjoy this colorful and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad made with fresh veggies and a homemade dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade) can be prepared in advance and chilled before use
  • 2 cups chopped vegetables include bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition
  • 1 cup savory meats options like salami or pepperoni, or substitute with plant-based meats for a vegetarian version
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese can use cheddar or provolone if mozzarella is unavailable
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • colander
  • spatula
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Whisk together your homemade Italian dressing ingredients in a bowl. Combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt until well blended. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  3. While the rotini is still warm, pour half of the chilled Italian dressing over it and gently toss to coat.
  4. Chop your selected vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pasta along with your choice of meats. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Cube or tear the mozzarella cheese and add it to the bowl. Toss to mix everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Just before serving, pour the remaining Italian dressing over the salad and lightly toss. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead—just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.

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