The Best Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bursts with both color and flavor, The Best Pasta Salad is exactly what you need in your recipe rotation. This simple yet sensational salad is the kind of dish that turns even a casual weekday meal into something that feels like a little celebration. With a melody of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty salami, tangy pepperoncini, and that perfectly zesty homemade dressing, every forkful delivers a burst of flavor that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or meal prepping for the week, The Best Pasta Salad will become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to The Best Pasta Salad, the mastery is in using fresh, bold ingredients that each contribute something irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this colorful, ultra-satisfying dish together—don’t worry, nothing fancy here, but every element shines!
- Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the dressing, so go with your favorite.
- White Vinegar: Brings tang that brightens up the salad; red wine vinegar works for a slightly different kick.
- Water: Just a touch to perfectly balance the acidity of the dressing.
- Kosher Salt: Seasons both the pasta water and the dressing for built-in flavor.
- Garlic: Whether fresh cloves or a sprinkle of garlic powder, it infuses the salad with aromatic complexity.
- Sugar: A little sweetness balances out the tang and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Dry Oregano & Basil: These pantry staples add that classic Italian flavor you crave in pasta salad.
- Black Pepper: For a hint of heat and earthy depth; adjust to your taste.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley, basil, or chives lend an extra burst of brightness and color.
- Uncooked Pasta (Rotini): The twists and curves of rotini hold onto the dressing and bits of goodness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful—halved for the perfect bite.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: The creamy, mild cheese pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
- Salami: Cut into cubes or strips, it adds a savory, meaty edge (try different types for variety).
- Kalamata Olives: These briny morsels explode with flavor in every mouthful.
- Pepperoncini: Sliced for mild heat and a vinegar-y punch that keeps things lively.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness, color, and crunch.
- Fresh Parsley: A whole bunch, chopped, for serious herby freshness (save a bit for topping).
How to Make The Best Pasta Salad
Step 1: Blend Up the Perfect Dressing
In a small blender or food processor, combine olive oil, white vinegar, water, kosher salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and emulsified. This homemade dressing is bold and tangy, and if you like to plan ahead, consider doubling it—extra makes for a salad that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Like a Pro
Bring at least 4 quarts of water plus a good tablespoon of kosher salt to a rolling boil—salting the water at this stage is essential for deliciously seasoned pasta. Cook your rotini according to package directions until just al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. Toss the cooled pasta with a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking while you pull the other ingredients together.
Step 3: Assemble The Best Pasta Salad
In a very large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, cubed or sliced salami, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and fresh parsley. Pour that glorious dressing over the top and toss to combine, making sure every piece gets a coating of that tangy, herby magic. Add extra parsley on top for a flourish that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve The Best Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter! Sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives over the top just before serving. For a touch of luxury, a drizzle of really good olive oil and a grind of black pepper will make The Best Pasta Salad look and taste extra special at the table.
Side Dishes
The Best Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or a big platter of roasted veggies. It’s also fabulous with crusty bread or focaccia that can soak up any leftover dressing. For lighter fare, a simple green salad rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This salad is pretty enough to display in a big glass bowl to show off all the colors, but you can also portion it out into mason jars for picnics, or pile it onto a platter and tuck in extra fresh herbs for a garden-party vibe. Try threading some of the ingredients onto skewers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer version of The Best Pasta Salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store The Best Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to mingle and intensify, sometimes making the leftover salad even tastier than when it’s first made. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
While pasta salads are best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, you technically can freeze The Best Pasta Salad in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables and mozzarella may change, becoming softer on thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and add a splash of extra dressing or fresh herbs to bring it back to life.
Reheating
This pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer it less chilly, simply let the salad sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before digging in. Refresh with a splash of olive oil or vinegar if the flavors need a little lift.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, some people swear it tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just remember to save a bit of the dressing to toss in right before serving for a fresh, vibrant texture.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is a classic choice for The Best Pasta Salad due to its ability to catch dressings and tiny ingredients, but you can use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tri-color pasta for an extra pop of color!
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the salami and add extra veggies like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even chickpeas for more texture and flavor. The dressing and cheese do the heavy lifting, so you won’t miss the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The pepperoncini lends a gentle heat, but if you want to tone it down, simply use fewer or leave them out. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or throw in some sliced jalapeños.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs work perfectly in the dressing, and if you don’t have fresh for garnish, just skip them or use extra dried oregano and basil for a little leafy flavor.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for a summer picnic or potluck to enjoy The Best Pasta Salad—it’s just too delicious, versatile, and easy to make any time! Give it a try for your next meal or gathering, and you’ll see how fast it disappears and how many times you’re asked for the recipe. Cheers to colorful bowls and happy bellies!
Print
The Best Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pasta Salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and a flavorful herb dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry oregano
- 2 teaspoons dry basil
- black pepper to taste
- fresh herbs (optional)
Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved if needed
- 8 oz salami, cubed or sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with oil.
- Toss Together: Combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to combine.
Notes
- You can double the dressing if making ahead for extra flavor.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your salami and olives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Rotini, Potluck Recipe, Easy, Quick, Italian
