![['Colorful Italian Pasta Salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, and olives displayed in a close-up shot.', 'A vibrant serving of Italian Pasta Salad featuring mixed vegetables and mozzarella, captured from the side.', 'Close-up view of a delicious Italian Pasta Salad with various ingredients, showcasing its fresh colors.', 'Thick rotini pasta salad mixed with peppers, salami, and cheese displayed in a close-up, appetizing view.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/italian-pasta-salad_1_U1-1-300x300.webp)
Italian Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad perfect for picnics and gatherings. Loaded with fresh vegetables, meats, and cheese, it's a quick and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces Rotini pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian dressing
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved) about 10 ounces
- 0.5 cup red onion (chopped)
- 0.5 cup sliced black olives 1 - 2.25 ounce can
- 0.5 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 0.5 cup yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
- 0.25 cup pepperoncini peppers (sliced)
- 0.5 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 8 ounces hard salami (cubed) about 1 3/4 cups
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or mozzarella balls, 1 1/3 cup
- 0.25 cup mini pepperonis
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup fresh basil (sliced)
- 0.25 cup fresh flat leaf parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then rinse in cold water and drain.
- Chop vegetables and combine in a large bowl.
- Add salami, cheeses, herbs, and pepperoni to the vegetables and mix gently.
- Stir cooked pasta with 2/3 of the dressing, then combine with the vegetable mixture. Add remaining dressing if desired.
- Chill for an hour or serve immediately.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead and tastes even better after chilling.