How To Make This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe The flavors deepen even further and truly sing! After mixing everything together, pop it into the fridge for everything to mingle together. This dressing is cheesy, creamy, nicely spiced, and so flavorful. The Italian dressing seals the deal and brings everything together so beautifully. And within the dressing, use vegan shredded parmesan and plant-based mayonnaise. Meatless/vegan Italian pasta salad: To make this recipe vegan, omit the meat and use vegan mozzarella cheese.Add/swap vegetables: Other veggies to add in or swap in this recipe include chopped bell peppers or carrots, sautéed vegetables like chopped zucchini or asparagus.For the Italian dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, shredded parmigiano reggiano cheese, mayonnaise, fresh parsley, garlic, salt/pepper, Italian seasoning, sugar, and lemon juice.Pepperoncini: An Italian hot chili pepper- adds a nice light heat and contrast in flavor.Red onion: Adds more flavor, texture, and a bit of a crunch.Mozzarella cheese: Go for the mini bite-sized fresh mozzarella pearls, they’re the most perfect.Olives: I usually go for kalamata or castelvetrano olives for my pasta salad- use your fave.Tomatoes: Bright and juicy grape/cherry tomatoes are a must!.Just be sure that the meat you’re using is cured meat/or cooked beforehand. If you’re looking for a salami alternative: you can sub for pepperoni, chorizo, ham, chicken, steak, shrimp, etc. Salami: Meaty, salty, hearty goodness! Another classic Italian staple, salami has great robust flavor.
However, please feel free to use what you have on hand: best pasta shapes include penne, fusilli, bowtie, and cavatappi pasta.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.) Ingredients To Make This Italian Pasta Salad
Yuhhhh, this is literally the best thing! More Reader-Favorite Recipes To Enjoy Prep it, chill it in the fridge, and serve it up over the course of a few days. IT’S GIVING MEAL PREP/MAKE-AHEAD VIBES: Don’t we all like a recipe that can be prepped ahead for us to have on hand for parties, events, etc? Well, this Italian pasta salad recipe is just that. Add or replace your fave proteins, cheese, whatever. That’s one of the things I love about pasta salad is that there are no hard or fast rules. IT’S GIVING ENDLESS CUSTOMIZATIONS: I want you to see this pasta salad recipe as a guide that you can follow 100% or add/swap whatever your tastebuds desire. Every bite is filled with enormous flavor.
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with heaps of flavor from the pasta to the dressing. IT’S GIVING FLAVOR OVERLOAD: We don’t do bland/unseasoned tings over this way, nah. She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she’s so damn easy! IT’S GIVING EASY BREEZY: That’s right, prep the dressing, chop the accompaniments, boil your pasta, mix everything together- badda bing, badda boom. Here’s Why You Will Love This Pasta Salad And then tossed together with a lip-smacking homemade Italian dressing that’ll make you wanna guzzle it down on it’s own…but like don’t. Incredibly hearty thanks to hunks of salami, super filling with tomatoes, onion, mozzarella, olives, and more! Classic rotini pasta for that signature Italian market vibe. Listen, I’m already confident that you + your loved ones will enjoy this all Summer and beyond, yeee! Italian Pasta Salad- Hey Boo, Hey! Seriously cannot believe that I’m just now sharing it but so happy to bring it to you, friends. Lately, we have been enjoying this recipe left and right over my way. I enjoy all kinds of pasta salad but if I’m keeping it real with ya, Italian pasta salad is my top fave! Give me a meaty, cheesy, and hearty pasta salad all day long. Also, it compliments all sorts of main dishes. It’s one of the easiest dishes to put together and one that just about everyone loves. Whenever I think of Italian pasta salad- or any pasta salad tbh, I think of family get togethers, potlucks, and workplace gatherings. Going full steam ahead with all the summery recipe vibes and I love every bit of it. Pasta salad is to the Summer as pumpkin is to the Fall, am I right?! Haha. Paired with a dreamy homemade Italian dressing to complete this tasty side item. This incredibly easy Italian pasta salad is loaded with salami, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mozzarella, olives, herbs, and pepperoncini- right along with classic rotini pasta. One of the best side dishes, especially in the summer, is pasta salad.