Go Back
Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

A colorful Italian-American pasta salad made with organic pasta, mozzarella, Genoa salami, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a homemade herb vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, cook-offs, meal prep, and summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 32 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Mason jar or whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound organic casarecce rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
  • 8 ounces Genoa salami diced
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ red onion finely diced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: sliced pepperoncini
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: chopped fresh basil

Homemade Italian Dressing

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1

  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.

Step 2

  • Cook pasta in generously salted water according to package directions until al dente.

Step 3

  • Drain immediately and rinse under cold water until completely cool.

Step 4

  • Transfer pasta to a large bowl and toss with half of the dressing.

Step 5

  • Add mozzarella, salami, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and any optional ingredients.

Step 6

  • Pour the remaining dressing over the salad.

Step 7

  • Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best flavor, chill for four hours or overnight.

Step 9

  • Before serving, toss again and add a splash of olive oil or extra dressing if needed.

Notes

  • Using pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina gives the best texture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta.
  • Chill overnight for even better flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly into the dressing, creating extra richness.
  • Customize with cucumbers, artichokes, roasted peppers, or olives if your family enjoys them.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.