This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is your go-to for picnics, potlucks, or vibrant family dinners! Each bite bursts with tender pasta, crunchy veggies, savory salami, and a tangy Italian dressing—making it as irresistible as it is simple to throw together. If you’re craving a colorful side dish that’s big on freshness and flavor (with just a handful of steps), you’ve found the ultimate winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Foolproof: From start to finish, this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe takes just minutes and is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: With crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and zesty Italian dressing, each bite is lively and refreshing.
- Crowd-Pleasing Combo: The medley of pasta, cheese, and salami means there’s something for everyone—kids and adults alike!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better when prepared in advance, making your prep a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe shines because every ingredient matters! Each item brings either a pop of vibrant color, a crunchy texture, or a punch of flavor, combining into one ready-to-devour bowl of happiness.
- Pasta (1 lb, rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle): The fun shapes help trap dressing and little pockets of flavor—plus, they hold up well for leftovers.
- Grape Tomatoes (1 pint): Sweet, juicy, and perfect for burst-in-your-mouth freshness!
- English Cucumber or Hot House Cucumber (1 large): Crisp and mild, they add crunch without overpowering other flavors. No need to peel if using English cucumbers.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a subtle but savory bite—soaking briefly in cold water can mellow their sharpness if you prefer.
- Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Use Cheddar for a bold flavor, Provolone for a smoky note, or Mozzarella for milky creaminess.
- Salami (6 ounces): Savory, robust, and satisfying—choose your favorite style, sliced or cubed for hearty bites.
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing (12–14 ounces): This tangy classic is a shortcut to flavor-packed pasta salad—no whisking or guessing required.
- Salad Supreme Seasoning (1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons or to taste): This zesty blend elevates the entire dish with a little extra spark. Don’t skip it!
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): A little cracked black pepper adds depth and complexity—adjust to your preference.
Variations
One of the joys of an Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—swap out ingredients based on what you have, your favorites, or any dietary needs!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the salami and add more veggies—like bell peppers, olives, or blanched broccoli—for extra color and crunch.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta to make this recipe accessible for everyone.
- Vegan Twist: Replace cheese with a plant-based alternative, opt for vegan sausage or beans, and use a dairy-free dressing.
- Fresh Herbs Finish: Toss in chopped basil, parsley, or dill for a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced pepperoncini or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat in your salad.
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Drain the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water—this not only flavors the pasta but also brings out the best in your salad. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente, then drain well and set aside to cool. You want the pasta just tender, so it holds up when tossed with all the goodies.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies, Cheese, and Salami
While the pasta cooks, halve the grape tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the red onion into bite-sized pieces. Cube your cheese, and slice or dice the salami however you like. Prepping everything ahead helps with a seamless assembly.
Step 3: Toss and Dress
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta and pour about three-quarters of the Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the top. Toss in the chopped veggies first, then add cheese and salami. Sprinkle with Salad Supreme seasoning and black pepper. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated, then taste and add more seasoning or dressing if needed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight is even better!) so the flavors can fully develop and the pasta absorbs some of that zesty dressing. When it’s party time, give the salad a quick toss, adjust the seasoning, and top with fresh herbs if you like.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente noodles stay firmer after absorbing the dressing and don’t turn mushy.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe rest in the fridge allows the flavors to mingle—it’s even better after a few hours or overnight.
- Dress in Stages: Add most of the dressing up front, then reserve a little. Right before serving, toss in the extra dressing to refresh the salad and prevent dryness.
- Shapely Matters: Use twisty or ridged pastas like rotini or farfalle to help catch all the zesty seasonings and veggies in every forkful.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley, basil, or even a dusting of extra Salad Supreme seasoning brings your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe to life. For added flair, top with shaved parmesan or a few sliced olives just before serving—it makes every bowl look extra inviting!
Side Dishes
This salad is super versatile and goes with nearly everything! Pair it with classic grilled chicken, burgers, or summer kabobs. It also makes a stellar companion for picnic sandwiches, barbecue ribs, or even a platter of roasted veggies for a lighter spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe in a big clear trifle bowl to show off all those beautiful colors. For picnics or lunchboxes, scoop into individual mason jars with a fork tucked on the side. Or, heap onto a bed of leafy greens for a stunning buffet platter centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover pasta salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 4–5 days—just give it a quick toss and add an extra splash of dressing if needed before digging in again.
Freezing
Freezing pasta salad isn’t ideal because the veggies and pasta can turn mushy on thawing and the cheese may change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, but if you must freeze, try freezing the pasta and meat separately (without dressing or veggies), then assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled for a while, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are classic choices because they easily hold onto the dressing and goodies, you can use any short pasta shape you enjoy or have on hand. Just avoid long, thin noodles like spaghetti, as they don’t mix as well.
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Is there an easy homemade alternative to Olive Garden Italian Dressing?
You bet! If you want to whip up your own dressing, combine extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little garlic powder, oregano, dried basil, sugar, and salt for a simple, flavorful alternative. Start with a 3:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio, then adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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How far in advance can I make this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe?
This recipe is best when made at least a few hours ahead, or even the night before. The flavors blend perfectly as it chills. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving and freshen with a splash more dressing if needed.
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What should I do if my pasta salad dries out in the fridge?
If your salad seems a bit dry after storing, simply add another drizzle of Italian dressing and toss well. The pasta tends to soak up some of the liquid as it chills, so refreshing it right before serving works wonders!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a simple, make-ahead meal that bursts with color and flavor, this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a reliable favorite. Grab those ingredients and whip it up—your future self (and your next picnic) will thank you!
Print
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pasta salad recipe is a perfect dish for a quick and delicious meal or side. Packed with flavorful ingredients and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 pint Grape Tomatoes
- 1 large Hot House or English Cucumber
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (chopped)
- 8 ounces Cheese, cubed (Cheddar, Provolone, or Mozzarella)
- 6 ounces Salami
- 12 to 14 ounces Olive Garden Italian Dressing
- 1 to 1 1/2 Tablespoons Salad Supreme Seasoning (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, cook pasta as per package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut vegetables, cheese into cubes, and slice or cube the salami.
- Toss Together: Combine pasta with dressing, add vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Sprinkle with Salad Supreme seasoning and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- For best flavor, make the pasta salad a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
