Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad with Italian dressing is a delicious combination of pasta, pepperoni, vegetables and then tossed in an Italian Dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any occasion and even great leftover. We always make this side dish at 4th of July.

We love making Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes for a quick and easy sides. This Italian Pasta Salad is a fun twist on our Easy Pasta Salad and Salad Supreme Pasta Salad.

Why We Love This Recipe

Zesty Italian pasta salad can be made with a variety of ingredients. The ingredients blend well together and the perfect side dish to make ahead of time for all the summer BBQ’s.

This recipe starts with cooked Rotini pasta, then raw vegetables are added for the perfect amount of crunch. Then mixed with cheese, black olives, pepperoni and a Italian Dressing for a delicious easy recipe.

Ingredients

• Rotini Pasta – Change pasta to Fusilli or farfalle
• Cherry Tomatoes – Use Roma Tomatoes instead
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded works great or substitute with fresh Mozzarella Pearls
• Sliced Pepperoni – Salami or Canadian Bacon works great too

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

The options are endless when making this classic pasta salad.

• Use Different Dressing – You can make a pasta salad using a mayonnaise based as your dressing. You can even make Homemade Italian Dressing.
• Make a Southwest Pasta Salad – Add in some corn and avocado with some sliced tomatoes. This would be a good side dish for Taco Tuesday.
• Add in Fruit – Toss in some strawberries with spinach and balsamic to make a great Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad. We like using bow ties pasta with this pasta salad.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1 – Bring a large of of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions  and cook until al dente. You want your pasta firm. Once your pasta is finished cooking, drain and rinse with cold water. Set pasta aside.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, combine the pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green pepper, and black olives.

Step 3 – Pour the Italian dressing over the top.

Step 4 – Add in the Grated Parmesan cheese and stir to coat.

• Step 5 – Place in the Refrigerator – You can add a dash of olive oil if you want. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour for the flavors to come together.
• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy

What to Serve with Rotini Pasta Salad?

Rotini Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish when we are grilling out. Here are some of our favorite meals to serve when we make pasta salad.

• Grilled Hamburgers and Grilled Hotdogs
• Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
• Prime Rib Sandwich
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

What Do You Put in your Pasta Salad?

Feel free to mix up the ingredients for what your family prefers. Add some of their favorites or omit the ones they don’t care for.

• Change the Pasta – We love the tricolor pasta but you can use any kind of pasta you like. Penne or elbow pasta are good in this too.
• Add in Chicken – Cooked shredded chicken added to this pasta salad is so good. We have even made Shrimp Macaroni Salad for a delicious variation.
• Toss in other vegetables – Toss in some chopped broccoli, chopped red onion, or even red bell pepper. Celery is also a good option to toss in.
• Change the Cheese – Feta Cheese is also a good option when making this classic pasta salad.