This Classic Italian Pasta Salad bursts with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and a zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or summer barbecues.
The combination of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and savory olives creates an irresistible dish that appeals to everyone at the table. Plus, this pasta salad is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted for vegan diets with a few simple swaps.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls (use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Homemade Italian Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (balances acidity)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely before assembling the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the black olives and roughly chop the fresh basil. If using mozzarella pearls, keep them whole or cut them in half for smaller bites.
Step 3: Make the Italian Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add maple syrup or honey for a slight sweetness. Shake or whisk until the ingredients combine into a smooth, emulsified dressing.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives, and mozzarella. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated. Make sure every bite is infused with the tangy, herby dressing.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, give it another toss, and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Pasta Salad Tips
To make the most flavorful and satisfying pasta salad, start with a few essential Tips for the Best Pasta Salad. First, always use fresh ingredients—think crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good-quality olive oil. These small choices add big flavor.
Be sure to cook your pasta al dente, as slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with dressing and won’t become mushy. One of the best parts of pasta salad is that it actually improves with time, so make it in advance—letting it sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Don’t be afraid to customize it either. Add-ins like chickpeas can boost the protein content, and dairy-free cheese can make it vegan-friendly. Finally, store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
Serving Suggestions for Pasta Salad
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and goes well with a variety of dishes. Pair it with grilled vegetables or sandwiches for a balanced meal, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing, standalone lunch.
It’s also ideal for gatherings—serve it at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Since it holds up well at room temperature, it’s a great make-ahead dish for entertaining.
Easy Variations to Try
There are plenty of ways to make this pasta salad fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a Vegan Option, simply omit the mozzarella or use a dairy-free alternative. To make it Gluten-Free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta—just make sure not to overcook it, as some gluten-free types can break down quickly. Want to spice things up? Try a Spicy Twist by adding red pepper flakes or sliced banana peppers for a little heat. Looking for a Protein Boost? Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or even grilled tofu to turn it into a heartier, more filling dish.
