Italian Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces bowtie pasta; 1 cup pepperoni (chopped); 1/4 red onion (finely diced); 1 English cucumber (peeled and diced); 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (halved); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (cut into bite sized pieces); 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup Italian dressing; 1 tsp dried oregano

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Italian Pasta Salad is an easy pasta salad recipe made with bowtie pasta, pepperoni, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. This is perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ side dish!

Italian pasta salad with pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes and cucumbers

A Quick Look At The Recipe

Recipe Name: Italian Pasta Salad

Ready In: 25 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Calories: 525 calories

Main Ingredients: bowtie pasta, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, red onion, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes.

Why You'll Love It: this Italian pasta salad recipe is easy to make, make-ahead friendly, and a crowd pleaser.

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This Italian Pasta Salad is an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Made with tender bowtie pasta, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and zesty Italian dressing, it's packed with classic Italian flavors in every bite. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and savory meats makes this pasta salad both fresh and satisfying.

One of the best things about this easy Italian pasta salad recipe is how simple it is to make ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it's had time to chill in the refrigerator and the dressing soaks into the pasta. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish for grilled chicken, a make-ahead potluck recipe, or a refreshing summer salad, this Italian pasta salad is always a hit.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy - this recipe involves some chopping but it is an easy recipe that even a beginner cook can make.
Flavorful - full of vegetables and a homemade dressing, this pasta salad is so delicious.
Make Ahead - this dish is perfect for making ahead of time and letting it chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Crowd Favorite - this is an easy Italian pasta salad recipe that everyone will love and ask for the recipe!

Ingredients in Italian Pasta Salad

Bowtie Pasta - or any short noodle pasta works. I think rotini, penne, or even orzo would be great.
Pepperoni - pepperoni is diced up and tossed in with the pasta salad. Salami would also work.
Red Onion - mildly sweet, purple-skinned onion with crisp white flesh that adds sharp flavor, color, and crunch to salads, sandwiches, and many cooked dishes.
Cucumber - Chopped cucumber adds a cool, crisp freshness that balances the savory ingredients.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes - Halved cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness and bright color to the pasta salad.
Fresh Mozzarella - I used a log of fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use the small mozzarella balls.
Italian Dressing - since this is the dressing for the pasta salad(along with some extra oregano), use a quality brand of Italian dressing. I use Newman's Own or Tessemae's.
Dried Oregano
Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Variations

Different Veggies - this would be delicious with black olives, banana peppers, bell pepper, finely chopped broccoli, zucchini, corn, and artichoke hearts. This recipe is very flexible!

Fresh Herbs - you could add fresh basil, fresh oregano, fresh parsley, or fresh thyme to this pasta salad.

Different Meat - instead of pepperoni you could use salami or any kind of hard, cured meat.

Make a Homemade Italian Dressing - I love a simply Italian dressing of ½ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste.

Add Some Spice - if you want a little heat in your pasta salad, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

Step by Step Instructions

This pasta salad recipe is filled with delicious and flavorful ingredients and is also super easy to make. It's a side dish that everyone is going to want you to make over and over again!

Cook the pasta. To start, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta.

Prep the ingredients. While the pasta is cooking, prep the rest of the ingredients. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, and cut the pepperoni and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.

Combine. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and run it under cool water. In a bowl, combine the pasta with the chopped pepperoni, cheeses, and veggies, and then top with the oregano and Italian dressing. Either serve immediately or refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Storage - This Italian Pasta Salad lasts for a few days in the refrigerator in an airtight container and almost gets better every day.

Serving Suggestions - this pasta salad is great as a side dish with grilled chicken, grilled fish, steaks, burgers, or brats. You could serve it with my Grilled Italian Chicken Breasts, Smash Burger Tacos, or Slow Cooker Beer Brats.

Make Ahead - this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time and bringing to a potluck or BBQ. It makes a good amount, too, so it is great for a crowd.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta salad can be made up to 1 day ahead of time. Just no longer, or the cherry tomatoes might start to get soggy.

What pasta is best for pasta salad?

Short pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne works best.

Do you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

Yes. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents clumping.

Can I make this pasta salad without meat?

Yes. Simply omit the pepperoni.

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