Everyone will love this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad recipe. It’s loaded with mozzarella, olives, salami, and is ready in less than 30 minutes!
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and easy summer meals. Tender bow tie pasta is tossed with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella pearls, and heart pieces of salami, then coated in a tangy Italian-style dressing everyone will enjoy!
For more divine pasta salads you have to try my Summer Veggie Pasta Salad, Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad, or Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Pasta Salad
- This pasta salad stores well in the fridge, which makes it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- You can easily customize this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad by adding your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is light yet satisfying—just the thing for when you want a fresh, flavorful meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Salami – Giving the pasta salad a protein element that is packed with flavor and a hint of salt.
Vinaigrette – I love using this lemon and shallot vinaigrette but you can use any dressing you prefer for your salad.
Mozzarella – Adding a creamy element to this zingy pasta salad.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Herb and Spice Variations – Replace parsley with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different herbaceous note. You can also add a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a little extra spice and warmth.
Vegetable Add-ins –Include veggies such as cucumbers or red onion slices for extra crunch. If you’re craving something sweeter, swap the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried or grape tomatoes. Bell peppers or chopped spinach are also great additions.
Protein Swap – If you’re not feeling salami, you can easily swap it out for pepperoni, prosciutto, grilled chicken, or even canned chickpeas or white beans if you want a vegetarian option.
How to make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Step 1: Bring a large stockpot filled 2/3 of the way with water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Refrigerate while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss with dressing.
Step 4: Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
FAQs
For Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, sturdy pasta like bowties, rotini, penne, or tri-color rotini works best. Fusilli, cavatappi, or tortellini are great options too, as they hold the dressing well.
This dish is great served alongside dishes like black bean burgers, classic potato salad, baked sweet potato fries, or a fresh fruit salad. It’s a versatile side for any meal!
You can swap the classic zesty Italian salad dressing for other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette, or even a red wine vinegar-based dressing.
Storage Info
STORE the zesty Italian pasta salad in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for 2-5 days. Freezing is possible by placing it in an airtight bag and removing the air, where it will last 1-2 months.
Defrost in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. This dish is best served cold, but if you prefer it warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
More Pasta Salad Recipes to Try
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowties, rotini, shells, or penne
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1 (6 oz) can whole olives - halved
- 8 oz mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 3 oz salami (traditional dry) - cut in thirds or quartered
- 3 tbsp parsley - chopped
- 1 small shallot - minced
- 1/2 tsp coarse kosher sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup vinaigrette - your favorite!
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers - sliced
- 1/4 cup marinated artichokes - chopped
- 4 pepperoncini - seeds and stem removed, sliced into thin rings
Instructions
- Bring a large stockpot filled 2/3 of the way with water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Refrigerate while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss with dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
This salad has become a family favorite. I have also taken to several social gatherings and it was a big hit! Everyone wants the recipe!
Am I missing something? It only shows vinegar as the dressing
Hi KM, it is not vinegar in the recipe, but vinaigrette dressing. You can use your favorite. See the photo in the post of the Lemon and Shallot Vinaigrette we used.
Has anyone made this with Italian dressing?
Yes? I’ve made it with Italian Balsamic and it’s amazing. Making it right now for a party tomorrow.
The best side salad ever!! We take it everywhere we go. Lots of flavor & delicious ingredients!