Delicious Italian Pasta Salad

Featured in Perfect Companion Dishes.

Whip up a flavorful Italian pasta salad in just a few simple steps! Start by boiling rotini pasta until al dente, then cool and combine with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, pepperoni, green bell pepper, and black olives. Drizzle the mix with a generous helping of Italian dressing and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Let it refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and zesty taste!

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 23:50:18 GMT
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, olives, and cheese. | magichouserecipes.com

This Italian pasta salad is my go-to potluck dish that consistently earns compliments and recipe requests. The vibrant colors, bold flavors, and make-ahead convenience make it perfect for everything from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings.

I first made this pasta salad for my daughter's graduation party when I needed something that could sit out safely. It was such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering, and I always come home with an empty bowl.

Ingredients

  • Rotini pasta: Spiral shape holds dressing beautifully, look for multi-colored for visual appeal
  • Cherry tomatoes: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness, choose firm ones that hold their shape when cut
  • Mozzarella cheese: Creates creamy texture contrast, select good quality for best flavor
  • Pepperoni: Provides savory protein component, use mini pepperoni to skip cutting if desired
  • Green bell pepper: Delivers fresh crunch and color, pick ones with glossy skin and no soft spots
  • Black olives: Brings briny dimension, select ones packed in water, not oil for cleaner flavor
  • Italian dressing: Acts as the flavor foundation, good quality bottled works perfectly
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth, grate your own from a block for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to flavor the pasta from within. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions, typically 8 to 10 minutes. You want pasta with a slight firmness as it will continue to absorb dressing. Drain thoroughly and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Allow to drain completely while preparing other ingredients.
Prep Vegetables and Proteins:
While pasta cooks, effectively use your time by preparing the remaining ingredients. Halve cherry tomatoes carefully to prevent squeezing out seeds and juice. Cube mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, approximately half-inch squares. Cut pepperoni slices in half or quarters depending on size. Dice green bell pepper into small pieces similar in size to other ingredients for even distribution of flavor in each bite.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoni, green pepper, and drained black olives. Ensure bowl has ample mixing space to prevent ingredients from spilling over sides during stirring. This allows for even distribution of all ingredients.
Dress the Salad:
Pour Italian dressing evenly over all ingredients in the bowl. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top. Using large serving spoons or spatulas, gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with dressing. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, which can break down the more delicate ingredients.
Chill and Develop Flavors:
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This crucial resting period allows flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing. For best results, chill for up to 4 hours if time permits.
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, olives, and peppers. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, olives, and peppers. | magichouserecipes.com

The multicolored rotini is my secret weapon in this recipe. Not only does it create a stunning visual presentation, but my children were always more excited to eat a dish with colorful pasta. I remember bringing this to my son's soccer tournament, and even the pickiest kids devoured it while parents asked for the recipe.

Make It Your Own

This pasta salad welcomes creativity and adaptation based on what you have on hand. Red onion adds a pleasant bite that balances the rich cheese and pepperoni. Fresh mozzarella pearls create an elevated version perfect for special occasions. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley brighten the overall flavor profile and add beautiful specks of green throughout the salad.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the pasta absorbs more of the dressing. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, simply drizzle with a small amount of additional Italian dressing and toss gently before serving. I recommend bringing the salad to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad complements nearly any main dish. Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or Italian sausages for casual gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a simple antipasto platter for an authentic Italian themed meal. For a complete summer spread, offer it with fresh fruit and crusty bread. The bold flavors also stand up well to robust red wines or crisp Italian sodas.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the pasta remains al dente?

Boil the pasta according to the package instructions and test a piece a minute before the suggested time. It should be firm but not hard.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with bow-tie, penne, or any pasta that holds dressing and ingredients well.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Consider adding diced cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, or even arugula for extra flavor and crunch.

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours as the flavors meld together.

→ What protein options can I include?

In addition to pepperoni, try adding cooked chicken, tuna, or shrimp to enhance the salad's protein content.

Italian Pasta Salad Perfection

Zesty Italian pasta salad with veggies, cheese, and dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 16 oz rotini pasta, multi-colored if preferred
02 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cubed
04 4 oz pepperoni, cut in half
05 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 1 can (6 oz) black olives, drained
07 8 oz Italian dressing
08 6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, ensuring the pasta remains firm. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green bell pepper, and black olives.

Step 03

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until evenly coated.

Step 04

Place the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

  1. For added flavor, include diced red onion or fresh mozzarella. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • May contain gluten from pasta.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g