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Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Colorful Italian pasta salad with rotini, tomatoes, peppers, and homemade dressing.
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A vibrant and tangy pasta salad featuring a homemade Italian dressing and a signature kick from pepperoncini. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and satisfying meal. The flavors deepen as it chills, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta, like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1 (6 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl or jar.
  3. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, pepperoncini, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad, add the remaining dressing if it looks dry, and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and do not skip the chilling time. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas to make it a main course.

Nutrition

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