Italian Pasta Salad recipe

Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe! This Italian-inspired masterpiece combines perfectly cooked rotini with zesty Italian dressing, fresh mozzarella, and all your favorite Mediterranean flavors.

What makes this pasta salad truly special is the incredible homemade Italian dressing that coats every bite with herbs and tangy goodness. Plus, the combination of salami, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls creates that authentic Italian deli flavor you just can’t get anywhere else.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 pound rotini pasta, uncooked
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
• 8 ounces salami
• 6 ounces black olives, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Pepperoncinis, sliced (optional)

For the Italian Dressing:

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake well, and refrigerate until needed.
2. Cook rotini according to package directions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
3. Let pasta cool for at least 10 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl.
4. Pour half the dressing over cooled pasta and toss well.
5. Add remaining ingredients and the rest of the dressing.
6. Toss everything until well combined.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole wheat rotini for extra fiber and nutrients
• Swap regular mozzarella for light mozzarella pearls to reduce calories
• Try turkey pepperoni instead of salami for a leaner protein option

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta (reduces carbs by 25g per serving)
• Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar in dressing (1:1 ratio)
• Increase vegetables and reduce pasta portion to 1/2 cup per serving
• Add extra protein with diced chicken breast to slow glucose absorption
• Pair with a side of leafy greens to reduce glycemic impact

Pro Tips

• Cook pasta slightly al dente as it will continue to soften in the dressing
• Make dressing a day ahead to let flavors develop
• Reserve some fresh herbs to sprinkle just before serving
• Toss with extra dressing just before serving if needed