Italian Pasta Salad

A big summer gathering calls for a great pasta salad, and a classic Italian version will deliver every time. (Cowboy pasta salad is also a fun option if you're feeding a crowd: You can never have too many pasta salads at a party!) This recipe is full of big, bold flavors—a mix of salty salami, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, and sweet cherry tomatoes, plus a red wine vinaigrette, seasoned with garlic and dried oregano, that gives the whole thing just the right amount of zing.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility: It travels well, holds up beautifully in warm weather, and it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, so you can (and should!) make it ahead. It's just the ticket for your next potluck or picnic, or it makes for an easy dinner on a night when you'd rather not cook!

What's in Italian pasta salad?

There's so much to love about this flavor-packed pasta salad. Fresh mozzarella adds a lot to this dish, so seek out either a ball of fresh mozzarella that can be cut into small pieces or a package of mozzarella pearls that are perfectly bite-sized. Salami is another boldly flavored ingredient that adds big flavor; buy it sliced from the deli or cut the slices yourself to customize the thickness. Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, and plenty of herbs all add juiciness, crunch, and brightness.

Does Italian pasta salad contain mayo?

Not this one! There's a time and a place for creamy pasta salads, but this bright and fresh recipe is all about the vinaigrette. It's made with herby pesto, red wine vinegar, garlic, and olive oil, so it makes a night, light dressing that's perfect for a summer meal.

Do you have to make your own pesto?

No, homemade pesto is vibrant and undeniably delicious, but this one goes into the dressing so it's not as front-and-center as pesto that's served on its own. Feel free to grab a jar of pre-made pesto from the supermarket if you're in a hurry.

What pasta is good in Italian pasta salad?

Any pasta shape will work for this recipe, but shorter noodles (versus long thing ones) are ideal. Rotini is a great choice because the tight spirals soak up all the tangy, pesto-flecked dressing, but penne, cavatappi, rigatoni, or even shells would be great with these classic Italian ingredients.

Should you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

You bet! Rinsing the cooked pasta after draining it ensures the noodles won't stick together. Rinsing also helps the noodles cool off more quickly.

Can Italian pasta salad be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pasta salad will become even more flavorful as it sits, so make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just a word of advice: Add the fresh herbs just before serving so that they don't lose their vibrant color, and toss the salad well to redistribute any dressing that may have settled to the bottom of the bowl.

What should I serve with Italian pasta salad?

This salad is the ideal addition to a summer cookout, so consider serving it as a side dish to grilled favorites like pork chops or chicken. Or just serve it as a meal with a fun pull-apart garlic bread.