This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. It’s packed with classic favorites like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers! #pastasalad #italianpastasalad

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means! I have pasta salad on my mind! Okay, so pasta salad, sunshine, being outdoors, grilling, get-togethers, warm weather, that kind of thing.

But, did I mention pasta salad? I know this dish can be eaten year round, but it just seems to taste better come summer. Know what I mean? The flavors, the ingredients…it just reminds me of barbecues, the 4th of July, and eating outdoors.

I’m no stranger to pasta salads, but one thing that I do not like are salads loaded with Miracle Whip and vinegar. It just not my kind of dish (which is why I don’t eat potato salads). But, I am a big fan of salads with oil, balsamic vinegar, pesto, that sort of dressing.

And every summer, this Caprese Pasta Salad, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, and Cherry Balsamic Pasta Salad makes an appearance in my house. Have you tried these yet? They’ve gotten rave reviews and are filled with the most delicious flavors.

And that got me thinking…it’s time to whip up another classic pasta salad, one that I love to eat but haven’t put my own spin on it!

If you guessed this easy Italian pasta salad, then you’re on point, friends! This classic dish is a hit with a lot of people, and I’m guessing you may just love it, too. So, because it’s summer and pasta salads are what I’m basically living on these days, I’m here to bring you my latest (and greatest) creation!

This zesty Italian pasta salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers!

And I won’t tell if you just dig in with a fork and go at it! I love picking out those chunks of fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, along with that tender pasta. Mmm mmm good!

This cold pasta salad with Italian dressing truly is a match made in summer food heaven.

So, if you’re on the hunt for that light, simple meal or need an easy dish to serve at your next barbecue, this classic pasta salad is it. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers! #pastasalad #italianpastasalad

Ingredients in Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

To make this simple pasta salad recipe with Italian dressing, all you’ll need is:

  • Pasta (any short, sturdy shape)
  • Salami
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • Shredded Parmsan
  • Sliced black olives
  • Red onion
  • Fresh parsley
  • Italian dressing

What’s the Best Italian Dressing for Pasta Salad? 

Any store-bought Italian dressing will work, but I recommend using one that’s labeled as “zesty.” I don’t recommend using a creamy Italian dressing for this recipe. 

How to Make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad 

This is such an easy Italian pasta salad recipe! Here’s an overview of the process: 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Add the pasta to a large bowl.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients, plus salt and pepper.
  5. Add dressing and gently toss to coat.

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers! #pastasalad #italianpastasalad

Can I Add Different Mix-Ins? 

If you love zesty salads like I do, then this easy pasta salad with Italian dressing will hit the spot! Not only is it super easy to throw together, but you can also customize it however you would like.

Since I love mozzarella pearls and black olives, I added a little (ok, A LOT!) extra of those. But, if you don’t like mozzarella, swap it out for cheddar. Don’t like black olives? Swap the for green! Like red peppers? Add ’em in! See how easy this salad is?

Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance? 

While I’m not the biggest fan of leftovers, I am a gigantic fan of pasta salad leftovers! That is, if there are any leftovers after this Italian Pasta Salad is served. It’s just that good, friends!

In fact, I think this salad may even taste a little better a day after it’s made. That way, it has some time to meld together and let the flavors combine. Which means that this classic pasta salad is perfect to make in advance.

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers! #pastasalad #italianpastasalad

Tips for Making Italian Pasta Salad

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will soften further after it’s been tossed in the dressing. 
  • Salt the pasta water so the pasta itself isn’t bland. 
  • You can make this recipe up to two days in advance. After that, the pasta and veggies start to get soggy. 

Looking for more summer salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers!
5 from 1 rating

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is packed with salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in Italian dressing!
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound pasta, (such as rotini, cavatappi, etc.)
  • 1 cup chopped salami , (or summer sausage)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, , halved
  • 1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella pearls
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (2.25 ounce) sliced black olives, , drained
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, , to taste (if desired)
  • 1-1 ½ cups prepared Italian dressing

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add pasta to a large bowl.
  • Add rest of ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Add dressing and gently toss to coat.
  • Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 140kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 263mg, Potassium: 96mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 72IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 85mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Salad
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.
data-pin-description=“Easy Italian Pasta Salad is fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. This zesty salad is packed with classic favorites, like salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, cherry tomatoes and then tossed in a simple Italian dressing. Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes, this salad is perfect to serve for those summer parties and get-togethers!”