Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Classic Italian Pasta Salad! It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco in a charming Italian piazza, even if you’re just in your backyard. This salad is so refreshing and vibrant, bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will just tickle your taste buds. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine, often served at gatherings and picnics, and honestly, it’s perfect for any occasion! I love how easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for those warm days when you want something light yet satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (I love using rotini or penne for that perfect bite!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add such a burst of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (for that cool crunch—so refreshing!)
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped (adds a lovely zing)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (these bring a little briny goodness)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved (the creaminess is just divine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (don’t skip this—it’s a game changer!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for that silky dressing)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (gives it that tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that classic flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always taste as you go!)
How to Prepare Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Making this Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, refreshing dish ready to impress. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to have a slight bite, so don’t overcook! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly, which is key for our salad!
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, halved mozzarella balls, and the fresh basil. This is where you can really get creative—feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand! Just imagine the colors and textures coming together!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. The goal here is to create a smooth emulsion, so keep whisking until it looks glossy and inviting! Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing is the magic that ties everything together!
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour that delicious dressing over your pasta salad and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Now, here’s a little secret: for the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle together and creates a salad that’s bursting with freshness!
Nutritional Information
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also pretty balanced! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, packs around 250 calories. You’ll get about 15 grams of fat (with only 3 grams being saturated) and 6 grams of protein, making it a satisfying dish. Plus, it has 25 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber, so it’s a lovely option for a light meal or side. Just keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your specific choices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh, vibrant flavors from the garden-fresh veggies and aromatic basil will brighten your day!
- Totally customizable—feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch.
- Great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Serves as a delightful side dish or a light main course, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
- Chilled and refreshing, it’s a fantastic way to cool off on those hot summer days.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free—everyone can enjoy it!
Tips for Success
To make the best Classic Italian Pasta Salad, here are a few handy tips! First, be sure to salt your pasta water generously—it makes a huge difference in flavor. Also, don’t skip the chilling step; letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop beautifully. If you want a pop of freshness, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. And remember, you can always customize it—swap in roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a different twist! Just keep it colorful and enjoy every bite!
Variations
One of the best things about Classic Italian Pasta Salad is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you love or have on hand. For a heartier dish, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. If you’re a fan of crunch, toss in some bell peppers or radishes for extra texture. Want a bit of zing? A handful of pepperoncini or sun-dried tomatoes can really elevate the flavor profile! You can even experiment with different cheeses—feta or goat cheese add a delightful tang. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with so many dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a delightful summer meal. It’s also the perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings. Want to impress your guests? Serve it at a picnic with a nice crusty loaf of bread and some refreshing lemonade. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Classic Italian Pasta Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors for a bit longer! Just remember, the flavors continue to meld the longer it sits, which is a delightful perk.
As for reheating, I actually recommend enjoying this salad cold, straight from the fridge. But if you prefer it a bit warmer, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it, or the veggies might get soggy. Chill it again after reheating if needed, and savor every bite!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Pasta Primavera.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of pasta salads, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Classic Italian Pasta Salad: 7 Ways to Relish Summer Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make classic Italian pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Classic Italian Pasta Salad, Italian salad, pasta salad recipe
