Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
The perfect recipe for summer is this zesty Italian pasta salad. Packed with flavor and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or lunches!
I am a huge pasta salad fan…especially when the heat of summer comes around. I usually make one on Sunday and use it as a side dish one night and as part of lunches throughout the week. This zesty Italian pasta salad is so perfect for that or to take along to a picnic or potluck!
This is the best Italian pasta salad I have ever tried. You are going to love it.
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Substitute Friendly! You can easily change many of the ingredients in this recipe including the pasta shape and dressing to make it your own.
- Delicious Make Ahead Recipe! You can make this 1-2 days in advance and the flavors get better and better.
- So Easy! You can use a store bought dressing in place of the homemade version to make it even easier. The homemade version of the zesty Italian dressing is great to keep in the fridge and use on salads.
Ingredients for Cold Italian Pasta Salad
- Pasta: I used campanelli but any short cut pasta will work great.
- Green Olives: Be sure to check the olives for any lingering pits.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls: These are sometimes called mozzarella pearls or ciliegine. If you can’t find these, cut fresh mozzarella into small squares.
- Parmesan: Shredded Parmesan is perfect for adding a cheesy sharp flavor.
- Pepperoni: Look for a log style pepperoni and slice it yourself.
- Red Onion
- Roasted Red Peppers: I like to keep it simple and use jarred deli slices.
- Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are great.
- Zesty Italian Dressing: I love the homemade version (provided below) but you can use store bought dressing in a pinch.
How to Make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Make the dressing first by combining all the ingredients in a mason jar and shaking well. Then, gather all your remaining ingredients, cook the pasta and just toss it all together in a big bowl and refrigerate.
Variations for Cold Italian Pasta Salad
I mentioned how friendly this pasta salad recipe is for substitutions. Here are a few ideas on ways to change up the ingredients:
- Swap the pepperoni for salami
- Change the green olives with kalamata olives
- Replace the red onion with sautéed vidalia onions
- Swap the artichokes with pickled banana peppers
More Great Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
- Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
- Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
- California Cobb Pasta Salad
- Summer Squash Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
- Greek Pasta Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
This zesty Italian pasta salad is always a crowd pleaser. Make it for your next picnic or potluck!
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounces short cut pasta i.e. bowties, campanelle, rotini, shells, or penne
- 6 ounces green olives halved
- 2 cups mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
- 4 ounces pepperoni sliced and quartered
- 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup quartered artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.16 ounces short cut pasta
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta through red onion. Season with salt and pepper.6 ounces green olives, 2 cups mini mozzarella balls, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan, 4 ounces pepperoni, 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup quartered artichoke hearts, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Add 1 cup of Italian dressing to pasta mixture. Toss well to combine and coat all the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 832mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment below, snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram, or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Zesty Italian Dressing
From salads to pasta salads, this zesty Italian dressing is the perfect dressing to give your dish a little zing.
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- In a mason jar (or similar), combine all ingredients. Shake well until all ingredients are combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.2/3 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 cloves garlic, 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
Notes
- Remove from refrigerator approximately 5 minutes before ready to use.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment below, snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram, or pin it to your Pinterest account!
