Best 6 Italian Basil Pasta Salad Recipes

Italian basil pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. It is made with cooked pasta, fresh basil, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a simple dressing. The salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. For example, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp, or use different types of cheese. No matter how you make it, Italian basil pasta salad is sure to be a hit!

Let's cook with our recipes!

BALSAMIC BASIL PASTA SALAD

Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad image

Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad is an delicious, healthy side dish perfect for any potluck, picnic or barbecue!

Provided by Stephanie

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

7 oz (about 2 1/4 cups) dry whole wheat rotini pasta or chickpea pasta if you're gluten-free, cooked (3 1/2 cups cooked pasta)
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 1/4 cups cucumber, chopped (I like to use an English cucumber for this)
1 1/2 cups orange bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped and soaked in ice water for a few minutes, then drained (this takes some of the bite out)
1 1/4 cup mild (or hot if ya like!) pickled banana pepper rings, drained and chopped
1 can (3.8 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 (8 oz) block of mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (or more if you like!)
1/4 cup + 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dijon or spicy brown mustard
pinch of salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

Boil your pasta. While your pasta is cooking, make your dressing. Whisk together the vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, salt and pepper. While still whisking, drizzle in your olive oil. Once fully combined, set aside.
When the pasta is done cooking, drain well then add a few tablespoons of the dressing to the pasta to prevent sticking and refrigerate until cold in a large bowl - this makes about 13 cups so be sure to have a big enough bowl! (Hot Tip: Don't rinse your pasta in cold water after cooking, removing the outer starch can keep the dressing from sticking well to it!)
Add the remaining ingredients to the pasta (you may need to give the dressing another good whisking before adding if the oil has separated). You can serve this right away, but it's even better if it can have some time to marinate in the fridge! Once it's refrigerated, I like to let it sit on the counter for a few (the olive oil will thicken in the fridge and setting it out re-liquifies it) then give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 9 grams fat, ServingSize 1 cup

ITALIAN BASIL PASTA SALAD

Italian Basil Pasta Salad image

Ready for a big bite of summertime? Pass around this garden-fresh pasta salad. I'd suggest serving it at your next dinner party, potluck or luncheon. -Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) bow tie pasta
2 cups grape tomatoes
7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup pickled banana pepper rings
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
4 thin slices hard salami, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, yellow pepper, onion, pepper rings, olives, salami and basil. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 221mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

ITALIAN HERBED PASTA SALAD WITH SALAMI

Italian Herbed Pasta Salad with Salami image

Dig in to a pasta salad full of salami, mozzarella, tomato, giardiniera and basil.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 small shallot, minced
8 ounces dried radiatore
4 ounces sliced salami, cut into thin strips
1 cup diced fresh mozzarella
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup giardiniera, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
Add the salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, giardiniera and oregano to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

ITALIAN CONFETTI PASTA SALAD

Italian Confetti Pasta Salad image

This recipe is so easy to make, and always such a hit! It is great for backyard barbecues. For best results, chill overnight.

Provided by Jeri Mortinson

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 cups colored rotini pasta
1 cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
½ cup sliced black olives

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water, and drain.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic until well blended. Mix in basil. Add pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives; fold gently until mixed. Chill several hours. Stir gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 13.9 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 702.4 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

Give your pasta some bold color―and flavor―with our Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. You'll enjoy the taste of fresh basil and chopped tomatoes along with fun bowtie pasta and cheese in this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories Home

Time 20m

Yield Makes 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3 cups farfalle (bow-tie pasta), uncooked
6 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 Tbsp. sliced fresh basil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil

Steps:

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Place in large bowl.
Add tomatoes, 3/4 cup cheese, basil, garlic and oil; mix lightly.
Top with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 390 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 20 g

TOMATO BASIL PASTA SALAD

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad image

Caprese salad and pasta combine to make a tasty Italian side dish.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 2h25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 lb plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped (8 to 10 medium)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 cups)
1 package (1 lb) rotini pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In large bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, oil, basil and mozzarella cheese. Cover; refrigerate 2 hours to blend flavors.
Meanwhile, cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain.
In large serving bowl, mix cooked pasta and tomato mixture until well combined. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top of salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 240 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh basil. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1/4 cup dried basil.
To make the pasta salad ahead of time, cook the pasta and vegetables according to the package directions and let them cool completely. Then, combine the pasta, vegetables, dressing, and basil in a large bowl and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought Italian dressing. However, making your own dressing is easy and only takes a few minutes.
This pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. You can add any vegetables you like, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or bell peppers.
To make the pasta salad more substantial, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Conclusion:

This Italian basil pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. With its fresh basil, tangy dressing, and colorful vegetables, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit!