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Chopped Italian Pasta Salad

Colorful Italian pasta salad with pepperoni, cheese, and fresh vegetables in a bowl.
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A vibrant and hearty chopped pasta salad celebrating Italian cucina povera. It combines al dente pasta with crisp vegetables, savory meats, and a zesty herby dressing for a satisfying meal that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni, quartered
  • 1 cup diced salami
  • 1 block (8 oz) mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 can (6 oz) sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, chop all vegetables, meats, and cheese into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or jar until emulsified. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, all chopped ingredients, olives, and both cheeses.
  5. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Add remaining dressing just before serving if needed.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and let the salad marinate for 30+ minutes. The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For a lighter version, use grilled chicken instead of processed meats or add chickpeas for extra protein.

Nutrition

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