Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Saladis filled with classic, bright, and fresh flavors that will have you coming back for more! Each ingredient brings a bold taste that will blend wonderfully with the other ingredients. I love to serve this dish every chance I get in the summertime, because it tastes amazing every time and is always a crowd favorite.

Thispasta salad is easy to makewith only a few ingredients, but you can add more if you want to make this dish a bit more hearty and filling! The dressing is so simple yet rounds out the salad and brings everything together perfectly. If you bring this pasta salad to any sort of gathering, be prepared to share the recipe!

Italian pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile side. It complements grilled chicken orBBQ ribsbeautifully, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to the smoky flavors. It also goes well withburgers, providing a refreshing balance to the hearty main. For a lighter option, serve pasta salad alongsidebaked salmonor grilled shrimp to enhance the meal’s flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The ingredients have a fresh and bright flavor that pair well with the tangy dressing.
• It is a nice, cool dish to eat on a hot summer day.
• You can modify it with your favorite ingredients and it can be served with any meal.

Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta—Smaller pasta like macaroni works best.
• Kalamata Olives—Halved.
• Artichoke Hearts—Adds a soft texture and bright salty flavor.
• Tomatoes—Halved cherry tomatoes add a soft crunch and fresh flavor!
• Red Onion—Thinly sliced or diced.
• Basil—Fresh basil brings all of the flavors together. Dried basil can be used in a pinch.
• Olive Oil—Serves as the base of your dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar—Gives your salad a slightly sweet and acidic flavor.
• Garlic Powder—To contrast the tangy vinegar.
• Salt and Pepper—Added according to taste

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Step #1.Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.

Step #2.Add the pasta to a medium mixing bowl. Add the olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onion, and fresh herbs.

Step #3.In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and some salt.

Step #4.Add the dressing to the pasta. Stir everything until it is well coated. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Best Italian Pasta Salad Add-ins

The best part about making pasta salad in the summer is that the ingredients are all fresh and delicious, and you can easily modify it with other great ingredients! Here are our favorite ways to switch up this recipe and make it more hearty:

• Beans—Roasted chickpeas, great northern beans, and kidney beans can add some extra texture to your pasta salad.
• Meat—Add a little protein to your salad by adding some chopped salami, pepperoni,grilled chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Cheese—The tang of mozzarella, feta, and parmesan can help add depth to your salad.

How to Store Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is typically best when served within 3-4 days. You can keep leftovers in the fridge covered with tin foil or in an airtight container. Toss the salad before serving to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed!

Expert Tips

• If you want to save a bit of time,you can use store-bought Italian dressing to add flavor to the pasta salad instead of making your own dressing.
• You can use fresh parsley instead of basil, or try adding a combination of both for extra taste.
• Make sure tocook your pasta until al dente,and don’t mix it with the other ingredients until it is cooled to avoid mushy pasta.
• If you are serving a crowd,this recipe can easily be doubled!But be sure to double the dressing as well.

More Pasta Recipes To Consider

Did you make this recipe? Leave a⭐️review and share it onInstagram,Facebook, orPinterest!