Summer Italian Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Picnic Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe

• 📌 Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better after marinating overnight
• 📌 Crowd pleaser – loved by both kids and adults
• 📌 Versatile – easily customizable with your favorite add-ins
• 📌 Perfect for potlucks – travels well and stays fresh

Key Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)

Servings: 16

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Salad

Ingredients for the Best Pasta Salad

• 1 (16 ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta
• 8 ounces pepperoni, sliced and quartered
• 8 ounces salami, chopped
• 8 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 small yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian dressing
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Perfect Pasta Salad

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente (firm to the bite). Do not overcook.
2. Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the quartered pepperoni slices, chopped salami, and cubed provolone cheese to the bowl.
5. Add the diced bell peppers and sliced black olives.
6. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture, starting with about ¾ of the bottle. Reserve the rest to add before serving if needed.
7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Toss everything together gently until well combined and all ingredients are coated with dressing.
10. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to blend.
11. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and add additional dressing if it seems dry.

Chef’s Tips for the Ultimate Pasta Salad

• Pasta cooking tip: Always cook pasta to al dente for salads – it will hold up better when tossed with dressing and won’t get mushy.
• Make it ahead: This pasta salad actually tastes better when made a day ahead, giving the flavors time to develop and meld together.
• Temperature matters: Allow the pasta salad to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving from the refrigerator – the flavors will be more pronounced.
• Dressing hack: Reserve some dressing to add just before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb the liquid while chilling.

Customize Your Pasta Salad

One of the best things about pasta salad is how versatile it is! Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Veggie-packed: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, or artichoke hearts
• Protein boost: Include diced grilled chicken or shrimp
• Cheese lovers: Try fresh mozzarella pearls or feta cheese instead of provolone
• Herb garden: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill
• Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and pine nuts

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

• 247 calories
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 759mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Serving Suggestions for Pasta Salad

This versatile pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are some perfect companions:

• Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
• Hamburgers and hot dogs
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Deli sandwiches
• Rotisserie chicken

It’s also substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light main course on hot summer days!

Storage Tips

This pasta salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop over time, making it perfect for meal prep. If you plan to make it more than a day in advance, consider adding the cheese just before serving for the freshest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad

Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and salami, and add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. You might also want to include chickpeas or white beans for protein.

What’s the best pasta shape for pasta salad?

Fusilli (spiral) pasta works wonderfully because the ridges capture the dressing, but you can also use rotini, farfalle (bow tie), penne, or even tortellini for a different twist.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure not to overcook it, as gluten-free pastas can become mushy more quickly than traditional wheat pasta.

Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Definitely! A homemade dressing can elevate this pasta salad to new heights. Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a touch of honey for a delicious from-scratch alternative.