Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 8, 8 people
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves; 12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta ((1 box)); ½ cup hard Italian salami (chopped or thinly-sliced ); 1 pint Glory tomatoes (cherry-type tomatoes, quartered); ¼ cup minced red onions; 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (8 ounces pearls, halved); ½ cup diced Peperoncini; ¼ cup pitted (sliced black or green olives); 1 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette **See note for alternate dressing)

5 / 5 (9 reviews)

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is the cold pasta salad you need to be serving this summer! Made with tri-colored rotini pasta, this easy dish comes together in less than twenty minutes. It's the perfect dish to serve at cookouts and summer parties.

By: Thecookierookie (via Thecookierookie)

Original Publish: Jul 22, 2019

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Prep: 10 mins

Yields: 8, 8 people

Nutrition Facts

307 kcalCalories

10 gProtein

38 gCarbs

13 gFat

Ingredients

¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta ((1 box))
½ cup hard Italian salami (chopped or thinly-sliced )
1 pint Glory tomatoes (cherry-type tomatoes, quartered)
¼ cup minced red onions
1 cup mini mozzarella balls (8 ounces pearls, halved)
½ cup diced Peperoncini
¼ cup pitted (sliced black or green olives)
1 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette **See note for alternate dressing)

Instructions

Cook the pasta to al-dente, per package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking; shake off excess liquid. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Pour the cooked pasta onto the paper towels to let the pasta dry 10-15 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, add pasta, salami, tomatoes, onions, Mozzarella, peperoncini, olives and basil; stir to combine.

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Chef's Notes

Becky’s Tips*Note: For an alternate vinaigrette, use Penzey’s Italian Dressing Base.
Whisk together 3 tablespoons Penzey’s Italian Dressing Base with 2 tablespoons water; let rest 5 minutes. Whisk 1 cup vegetable (or canola oil) and ½ cup white vinegar; add the Italian Dressing/water mixture and whisk.

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Reviews from the Original Source

Jessica ★ 5.0/5

Always a hit!

Michele S. ★ 5.0/5

I've made this pasta salad a few times now and my guests always love it! Great recipe!

Debbie Mirabal ★ 5.0/5

I’m taking it to dinner at a friends ! I added cucumbers, my family loves it!

Jessica ★ 5.0/5

Amazing! I’ve been nominated to bring this to every family grilling event we have!

Katie ★ 5.0/5

Loved this pasta salad! Made it for a BBQ and everyone else did too.

NatalyaD ★ 5.0/5

The classic Italian pasta looks so incredible. I love the mix of protein and veggies, makes pasta way more refreshing. Thanks for an awesome recipe!

Julia ★ 5.0/5

I love pasta but have to admit salami is my favourite part in this delicious salad! Yum!

Jen ★ 5.0/5

This recipe was fantastic! It was so easy to make and tasted great!

Sarah Skaggs ★ 5.0/5

Oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD. Thanks!!

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Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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