Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe (2024)

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is filled with twirly pasta, plenty of veggies, chopped pepperoni and a zippy Italian dressing.

I love this pasta salad recipe because it’s so easy to make and pairs perfectly with homemade Hamburgers, Grilled Chicken or Steak!

This easy pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish to take to any potluck or summer party. It’s cool and refreshing and packed with goodies.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Whenever I bring this colorful pasta salad to a get together, it’s always the first thing gone.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to make this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

• Tri Colored Rotini Pasta – the three colored pasta makes this pasta salad stand out among the rest.
• Broccoli – you can swap out for a different veggie or leave out completely if you prefer.
• English Cucumber – the peels are softer and easier to eat.
• Red Bell Pepper – chopped
• Black Olives – sliced
• Pepperoni – chopped
• Purple Onion – gives the salad a nice pop of flavor
• Italian Dressing – you can use store bought, or my favorite go-to Italian dressing recipe (shared below)

How To Make Italian Pasta Salad

My quick Italian Pasta Salad recipe comes together really fast once you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

BOIL PASTA

Start by cooking the pasta in boiling water, according to the package instructions. Just before the pasta is tender, add in the chopped broccoli to allow it to cook slightly.

PRO TIP: Cooking the broccoli like this will make it easier to digest and eat in the finished pasta salad.

COOL PASTA AND BROCCOLI

Run the cooked pasta and broccoli under cool water in a strainer to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starches. Set the cooled pasta and broccoli aside.

CHOP VEGGIES AND COMBINE

While the pasta is cooking, prepare all the chopped veggies to go into your pasta salad and place them in a large bowl.

PRO TIP:Make sure to chop your purple onion small so it’s not a big mouthful of raw onion in one bite.

ADD ITALIAN DRESSING

Once you have all the pasta salad ingredients in the large bowl, pour in the Italian dressing and toss to combine.

Cover and chill the pasta salad until you’re ready to serve. Make sure to toss one more time before serving.

Homemade Italian Salad Dressing

When I’m in a pinch for time, I’ll grab a bottle of Italian dressing from the store and use that for this pasta salad recipe. But when I really want to impress, I’ll make my own and it’s actually quite easy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried Oregano
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped curly leaf parsley
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

How To Mix Dressing

To make this Italian Dressing, simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.

PRO TIP: I like to use a mason jar with a lid and give it a good shake, then use this handy dressing lid for pouring.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Pasta salad is a great way to clean out the fridge and use up any leftover veggies from the week.

You can really customize what goes in there, and truly make it your own. Here are a few recipe tips and variations for pasta salad that I think you will like.

• Use any leftover veggies from the fridge to add texture and variety to your pasta salad.
• Add cubed cheese or shredded cheese
• Toss in some grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
• Swap out the rotini pasta with your favorite small shape or use a variety of shapes.

How To Store Italian Pasta Salad

Pasta salad will typically last up to 3-5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, making it a great option for making ahead of time.

If you decide to add cheese to the pasta salad, then the shelf life will be a little shorter.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

If there’s one dish that you can count on being widely accepted at potlucks and parties, it’s a cool pasta salad. I’ve got plenty of delicious, family friendly pasta salad recipes you’re sure to enjoy.

• Classic Macaroni Salad
• Olive Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Creamy Corn Pasta Salad
• Easy Shrimp Pasta Salad – a family favorite!
• Asparagus Pasta Salad

I can’t wait for you to give this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe a try! I know you’re going to love it as much as we do!