Italian Pasta Salad Recipe – Lauren’s Latest

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The Italian-Noodlesalad has everything! Tender pasta, salty pepperoni, diced mozzarella, lots of diced veggies and a homemade olive oil and garlic dressing. Do you love pasta salads? Next, try my Macaroni Salad or my Tuna Pasta Salad… they’re all good!

Italian pasta salad in a bowl

Why you will fall in love with this salad

Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or simple side dishes. This pasta salad is probably one of my favorite cold summer side dishes. Everyone loves it because it’s easy to make, very fresh and so delicious. The longer it rests, the better it tastes!

Make this Italian pasta salad your own

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to swap out veggies and pasta. Here are some great options to choose from. Of course, my recipe includes many of the ingredients listed, but if you’re missing one or two, don’t let that stop you from making this! It will still be delicious!

  • All short cut pasta
  • cucumbers
  • tomatoes
  • olives
  • pepperoni
  • paprika
  • mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • Red onion
  • fresh basil and parsley
  • artichoke hearts
  • sun dried tomatoes
  • salami
  • parmesan cheese
  • Mushrooms
  • carrots
  • celery
Italian pasta salad on a fork from a bowl

How to make Italian pasta salad

It’s super easy to put together this simple side dish! The hardest part is chopping up some veggies, but I find it therapeutic. Full recipe details, including required ingredients and measurements, are on the printable recipe card below. Here’s what you can expect when making this pasta salad:

Ingredients for Italian pasta salad

Boil the noodles

cook noodles according to package directions. Since this is refrigerated, I would do it Cook this 1 minute later until al dente. It still has a little bite when it’s chilled.

Chop the veggies

This recipe requires tomatoes, cucumbers And paprika, but feel free to add whatever ingredients you have! Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, etc.

Make the dressing

A simple mixture of whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, And Italian spice combine and season well.

Can I use a different bandage?

Most Italian pasta salads call for a pre-made Italian salad dressing, which is totally fine! It’s such an easy choice, of course… feel free to use it! You can also use pre-made ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamier salad dressing. Be sure to read the notes on the recipe card below for more options.

Mix everything and serve

Mix everything together. The longer this salad has to marinate together, the more delicious it will be!

Italian-Noodlesalad

Storage Instructions

This particular recipe is Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 daysbut tastes best on the second day after it has had some time to marinate.

Can I Freeze Pasta Salad?

No, I would I do not recommend freezing this recipe. Quite simply because fresh vegetables don’t defrost very well and don’t taste particularly fresh after freezing.

Italian-Noodlesalad

More Summer Salads You’ll Love!

If pasta salad isn’t your thing, try some of these other family favorites that we take turns trying throughout the summer:

More pasta salad recipes to try!

If you liked this recipe, you will LOVE my other pasta salad recipes too. Give them a try next time you’re looking for a refreshing side dish.

The printable recipe card is below! If you make this recipe, I’d appreciate it if you gave it a star rating and let us know what ingredients you chose in the comments. Have a nice day, friends!

Italian-Noodlesalad