Best 9 Italian Pasta Salad I Recipes

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Italian pasta salad is a popular summer dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Pasta salad is customizable with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, and cheese. It makes a good side dish at any picnic or potluck, or it can be a light, refreshing meal on its own. With so many different variations, there are a variety of recipes to try, so you can find the best Italian pasta salad recipe for your personal taste.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.

Provided by Trish

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
3 (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD I



Italian Pasta Salad I image

This is an excellent and refreshing pasta salad with a little zing to it. It will also store for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Provided by Jeanette

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, diced

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, Italian salad dressing, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Mix well and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.6 g, Cholesterol 5.9 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 728.2 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 8 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2-1/2 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
1/2 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

  • 1. Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, refrigerate, then stir in 1/4 cup additional Wish-Bone Dressing before serving.
  • For a Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, substitute 1/2 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise for 1/2 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing.
  • Also terrific with Wish-Bone® Robusto Italian, Fat Free! Italian, House Italian, Ranch, Light Ranch, Fat Free! Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Red Wine Vinaigrette or Fat Free! Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressings.
  • See nutrition information for sodium content.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Italian Pasta Salad image

This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe combines vegetables and pasta in a creamy dressing. Refreshing and filling, this change-of-pace salad is perfect as a side dish. It's always popular at a potluck. —Tina Dierking, Skowhegan, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup uncooked spiral pasta
1-1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup cubed provolone cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl; add the tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions and salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese; stir in the provolone cheese and olives. Gently fold into the pasta mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 calories, Fat 30g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 707mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

EASY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Easy Italian Pasta Salad image

This salad is easy to make and everyone loves it!

Provided by slopez5084

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
2 (6 ounce) cans sliced black olives
5 stalks celery, chopped
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse pasta in cold water until cool; drain.
  • Toss drained pasta, tomatoes, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, black olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
  • Pour Italian-style dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat.
  • Chill salad 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.1 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 456.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

ITALIAN DRESSING PASTA SALAD



Italian Dressing Pasta Salad image

This colorful salad is hearty enough to be a light meal in itself. It's a great make-ahead dish, since the full flavors of the herbs and veggies need a little time to blend. For more tasty ideas, check out these other cold pasta salad recipes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 36 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 packages (12 ounces each) tricolor spiral pasta
2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen California-blend vegetables, thawed
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 large zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 large yellow summer squash, quartered and thinly sliced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese, cubed
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
Grated Romano cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain well. In two large bowls, combine the California vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, cheeses and pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Stir in olives. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , Toss before serving. Serve with Romano cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

BEST EVER!!!!! ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Best Ever!!!!! Italian Pasta Salad image

Guido's Grandma would be proud of this one! I hope you all enjoy this as much as our family does. Bon A Petit!

Provided by Texas Pete

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

12 ounces cooked tri color rotini noodles
1 slice smoked deli ham, cut on no. 10 diced
3 slices deli hard salami, cut on no. 10 diced
italian seasoning, any will do. I use (Red monkey Organic grinder-Zest italian, freshly ground to taste.)
16 ounces newman's own family recipe Italian dressing (1 bottle)
15 -20 grape tomatoes, halved
2 scallions, sliced thin (green onion)
1 red bell pepper, diced
14 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, diced
sliced black olives (2 of the small cans)
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
red wine vinegar (I use just a splash or two)
extra virgin olive oil, if needed
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (If needed)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions.
  • Rinse in cold water.
  • Combine pasta, artichoke hearts, olives, onions, and the cheeses, dressing, and rest of veggies, ham and salami; toss and mix well.
  • Taste to adjust seasoning, vinegar, or EVOO.
  • Cover and chill pasta salad for at least 2 hours or overnight is best.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364.3, Fat 19.1, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 18.4, Sodium 727.4, Carbohydrate 38.8, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 7.1, Protein 10.9

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Italian Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Italian Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Karen From Colorado

Categories     Pork

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bag dried multi-colored spiral shaped pasta
1 cucumber, diced with peels on
1 package pepperoni, quartered
1 cup sliced celery
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup sliced black olives
assorted fresh vegetable, diced
1 bottle Italian salad dressing, chilled

Steps:

  • Cook pasta and rinse in cold water until cool.
  • Toss with all veggies.
  • Chill until ready to serve.
  • Just before serving, pour Italian dressing over all and mix until everything is well coated. (Leftovers do not keep very well. Everything gets rather soggy so dress only what you need or dress each individual serving)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 20.3, Fat 1, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 73, Carbohydrate 3, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 1.2, Protein 0.5

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Wish-Bone

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Wish-Bone®

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2 ½ cups assorted cut-up vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
½ cup cubed Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.2 g, Cholesterol 9.1 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 598 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a good-quality olive oil.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold up well in a salad.
  • Let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to your salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings: There are many different types of dressings that you can use for pasta salad, so feel free to experiment until you find one that you like. Some popular options include vinaigrette, pesto, and creamy dressings.
  • Add some protein: If you want to make your pasta salad a more substantial meal, you can add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Serve the pasta salad chilled: This will help to keep it from becoming too heavy or greasy.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it's also a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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