Lunch

Italian Pasta Salad

By RecipeNest · Lunch

This authentic Italian pasta salad recipe is the ultimate summer side dish, packed with tri-color rotini, salami, pepperoni, provolone, olives, and pepperoncini in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, and easy lunches, this cold Italian pasta salad only gets better as it sits in the fridge.

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Prep

15 min

Cook

10 min

Total

25 min

Servings

8

Calories

420

Italian Pasta Salad
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta
  • 6 oz Italian salami, cubed
  • 4 oz pepperoni slices, halved
  • 1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the tri-color rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, salami, pepperoni, provolone, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and red onion.

  3. 3

    In a jar, shake olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Dijon, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the pasta and toss thoroughly.

  5. 5

    Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.

  6. 6

    Toss again just before serving and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 420 calories

protein

15g

carbs

42g

fat

22g

fiber

3g

sugar

5g

sodium

780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an Italian pasta salad authentic?+

A true Italian pasta salad leans on cured meats like salami and pepperoni, sharp provolone or fresh mozzarella, briny olives, pepperoncini, and a red wine vinegar-based Italian dressing rather than a mayo dressing.

Can I make Italian pasta salad the day before?+

Yes — this classic Italian pasta salad actually tastes better the next day. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and stir in an extra splash of olive oil before serving.

What pasta shape works best for Italian pasta salad?+

Tri-color rotini is traditional because the spirals grip the vinaigrette. Fusilli, farfalle, or penne also work well for this cold Italian pasta salad.

How do I keep the pasta salad from getting dry?+

Slightly overdress the salad — the pasta absorbs the vinaigrette as it chills. Add another drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar just before serving.

Sarah Mitchell

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen

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