Go Back
+ servings
The Best Pasta Salad

The Best Pasta Salad That Screams Summer Freshness

The Best Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines fresh ingredients and homemade dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 box Pasta (fusili or penne)
  • 1 cup Cherry or heirloom tomatoes juicy
  • 8 oz Fresh mozzarella
  • 4 oz Spicy salami or omit for vegetarian
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini or banana peppers
  • 1/2 cup Olives black or Kalamata
  • 1/4 cup Red onion
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing homemade preferred

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • knife

Method
 

Steps for Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives. Slice salami and red onion.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ingredients for Italian dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables, mozzarella, salami, and olives. Gently toss together.
  5. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a richer flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Adjust ingredient quantities to your taste preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!