Easy Italian Pasta Salad

This hearty Italian pasta salad has been my summer potluck signature for years. Loaded with colorful veggies, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, it's tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together perfectly.

I first created this pasta salad for an impromptu backyard gathering, and it's become the most requested dish at every family barbecue since. My mother in law even asked for the recipe after 20 years of guarding her own pasta salad secrets.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta: Creates perfect pockets to catch the dressing and provides an elegant appearance
• Red and green bell peppers: Add sweet crunch and vibrant color
• Cherry tomatoes: Contribute bursts of juicy sweetness; use the ripest ones you can find
• Salami: Delivers rich savory flavor that stands up to the other ingredients
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Provide creamy texture contrast and mild dairy notes
• Pepperoncini peppers: Bring gentle heat and tanginess without overwhelming
• Red onion: Adds sharp aromatic flavor; look for firm onions with tight skins
• Kalamata olives: Contribute briny depth; select pit free for easier eating
• Parmesan cheese: Introduces umami and saltiness; use freshly grated for best flavor
• Fresh basil and parsley: Brighten the entire dish with herbaceous notes

For the dressing

• Olive oil: Forms the base; use a good quality one you enjoy the flavor of
• Mayo: Creates creaminess and helps the dressing cling to ingredients
• White vinegar: Provides acidity balance with tanginess
• Sugar: Balances the acidity just enough to round out flavors
• Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herb flavors throughout
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overwhelming fresh garlic bite
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors; remember the cheese and olives add saltiness too

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Cook bowtie pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. The pasta should retain a slight firmness as it will continue absorbing dressing. Once drained, toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow to cool completely in a colander for best texture results.

Create the Dressing:

Combine olive oil, mayo, white vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified and slightly thickened. The mayo helps stabilize the dressing and creates a creamy consistency that clings beautifully to every pasta piece.

Prep the Mix Ins:

Dice bell peppers into small uniform pieces about 1/4 inch for ideal texture. Halve cherry tomatoes to release their juicy goodness. Cut salami into bite sized pieces that match the pasta scale. Chop pepperoncini, onions, and olives to distribute flavor throughout. Slice fresh herbs thinly just before adding to preserve their aromatic qualities.

Assemble the Salad:

Transfer cooled pasta to an oversized mixing bowl. Add all prepped vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs. Pour dressing over everything and gently toss using two large spoons or spatulas, folding from bottom to top to ensure even coating without breaking delicate ingredients.

Rest and Serve:

For best flavor development, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This resting time allows the dressing to penetrate the ingredients and flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it one more gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

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You Must Know

The mini mozzarella balls are truly my favorite component in this pasta salad. Their milky freshness cuts through the savory elements and creates these wonderful creamy pockets throughout the dish. My grandmother always added extra because they would mysteriously disappear before serving time whenever the grandkids were around.

Flavor Variations

This pasta salad welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. For a Mediterranean twist, add artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes. Create an antipasto version by incorporating more Italian meats like prosciutto or capicola. For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and double the cheese varieties to maintain protein balance.

Make Ahead Tips

While this salad can be served immediately after assembly, it truly reaches peak flavor after chilling for several hours. Prepare it the morning of your event for perfect serving condition by dinner. If making more than 24 hours ahead, consider reserving half the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta salad shines as a standalone lunch option but also pairs beautifully with grilled proteins. Serve alongside Italian sausages, grilled chicken, or even as a side to a crusty bread and soup dinner. For a complete summer spread, offer it with fresh fruit and a light dessert like lemon cookies.

Storage Solutions

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as ingredients marinate together. If the salad appears dry after storage, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and white vinegar, then toss gently to refresh the texture and flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Keep it chilled and toss it again before serving.

→ What can I substitute for salami?

You can use pepperoni, cooked ham, or even grilled chicken as a substitute for salami.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works well in this salad.

→ What makes the dressing flavorful?

The dressing combines olive oil, mayo, vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sugar for a tangy, creamy flavor.