This Chopped Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with crisp vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and tender pasta, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Every ingredient is finely chopped, ensuring you get a little bit of everything in each bite. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with fresh vegetables
- Great for meal prep
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Bursting with classic Italian flavors
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped
- 1 cup salami, chopped into small cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta cools, finely chop all vegetables, salami, and cheese. Keeping everything bite-sized helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and parsley.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until every ingredient is coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro Tips
- Use tri-color rotini for a colorful presentation.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra vegetables.
- Reserve a little dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add feta cheese, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy Italian
Use hot salami and extra pepperoncini peppers.
Garden Fresh
Add zucchini, broccoli florets, and spinach for extra vegetables.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often become even better the next day.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Fresh, colorful, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavors, this Chopped Italian Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into everything from casual lunches to festive family gatherings. 🍝🥒🍅🫒🧀✨
