Best 11 Italian Style Pasta Salad Recipes

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Italian style pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It is a perfect summer dish, as it is light and easy to make. This salad is typically made with short pasta, such as penne or rotini, which is tossed with a variety of vegetables, cheeses, and meats. The dressing is often a simple vinaigrette, made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Italian style pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for Italian style pasta salad, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN-STYLE PASTA SALAD



Italian-Style Pasta Salad image

This is a very flavorful, simple pasta salad that is similar to Antipasto, yet very unique in its flavors and textures. I love the fresh garlic and the mixture of seasonings. Very, very nice for picnics, potlucks, and well...just anytime:)

Provided by Manda

Categories     Cauliflower

Time 5h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 ounces spiral shaped pasta or 8 ounces cheese tortellini
1 1/2 cups cubed provolone cheese or 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (6 oz.)
1/2 lb hard-cooked salami, cut into 1-inch squares
1 cup cauliflower floret
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (1 c.)
1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers or 1/2 cup red sweet bell pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings ("or" diced, if you prefer)
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1/2 cup olive oil or 1/2 cup salad oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
salt
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water, the drain again.
  • In large bowl, toss together pasta, cubed cheese, salami, cauliflower, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, olives, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  • In small bowl or screw-top jar, combine oil, vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt.
  • Mix well.
  • Pour mixture over salad, and toss to coat.
  • Cover and chill 4-24 hours.
  • To serve, add tomatoes, and toss gently.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 573.9, Fat 38.4, SaturatedFat 12.9, Cholesterol 53.3, Sodium 882.1, Carbohydrate 36.3, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 4.6, Protein 21.3

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

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

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-STYLE PASTA TOSS



Italian-Style Pasta Toss image

This colorful main-dish salad comes from the Homemakers School recipe collection. You can prepare this salad in a flash since it uses convenience foods. Serve warm or cold.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing or reduced-fat Caesar vinaigrette
1 jar (6-1/2 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 green onions, sliced
4 cups cooked cheese tortellini
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Add tortellini and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with a slotted spoon or refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 541 calories, Fat 35g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1837mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

SALAMI LOVER'S ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Salami Lover's Italian Pasta Salad image

This Italian pasta salad is great to make for lunches or as a dinner on a summer night.

Provided by Deanna

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces rotelli pasta
¾ cup creamy salad dressing
¾ cup Italian-style salad dressing
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces salami, cubed
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives
½ red onion, julienned

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the creamy salad dressing, Italian Dressing, and grated cheese.
  • Add the pasta, salami, bell pepper, olives and onion. Stir well to evenly coat. Allow to chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 527.4 calories, Carbohydrate 38.8 g, Cholesterol 58.3 mg, Fat 33.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 1761.9 mg, Sugar 9 g

ZESTY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Zesty Italian Pasta Salad image

This is doubly good because the pasta and veggies are marinated with Italian dressing, then drained and a mixture of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese is added. Super delicious!

Provided by Marie

Categories     Onions

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup uncooked spiral shaped pasta
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons thin sliced green onions
1 1/2 cups Italian salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse with cold water and drain.
  • Place in a bowl, add tomatoes, celery, carrots, peppers, onions and Italian salad dressing.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Drain.
  • Just before serving, combine mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, then stir in mozzarella and olives.
  • Gently fold into the pasta mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.3, Fat 21.9, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 12.2, Sodium 860.1, Carbohydrate 18.7, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 7.4, Protein 6.9

SIMPLE ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Simple Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for barbecues or any get together. Customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can use any assortment of diced vegetables. You can substitute mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan cheese.

Provided by cdastolip9

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 8h35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package rotelle pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (6 ounce) package pepperoni
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing (such as Olive Garden®), divided

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rotelle in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Stir rotelle, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olives, and pepperoni together in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight. Pour remaining dressing over the salad and stir.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 19.3 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 771.3 mg, Sugar 4 g

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.

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 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.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Short pastas like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for pasta salad as they hold the dressing well. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions for the best texture.
  • Use fresh and colorful vegetables: The vegetables are key to a flavorful and visually appealing pasta salad. Choose crisp veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots. Aim for a variety of colors and textures for added interest.
  • Make a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what ties the pasta salad together and infuses it with flavor. A classic Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices is always a good choice. You can also try pesto-based dressings or creamy dressings made with mayonnaise or yogurt.
  • Add protein and cheese: Protein and cheese are optional but highly recommended additions to pasta salad. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu add a savory touch, while mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta cheese provide a creamy and tangy contrast.
  • Chill before serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled, as the flavors have time to meld and the salad becomes more refreshing. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, or overnight for the best results.

Conclusion:

Italian-style pasta salad is a versatile and delicious summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and customizable ingredients, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be tailored to your preferences. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables, proteins, cheeses, and dressings to create your own signature pasta salad recipe. Enjoy this classic Italian dish as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.

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