Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. It combines al dente pasta with fresh mozzarella, savory salami, marinated artichokes, cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty Italian dressing. Chilled to allow flavors to meld, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta shapes (such as rotini or bow ties)
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 pound salami, chopped
- 1 (6-oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1½ pints)
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, then immediately rinse under cold water until the pasta is cooled completely. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in the salad.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved mozzarella balls, chopped salami, marinated and sliced artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh parsley. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a deliciously refreshing pasta salad experience. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like rotini or bow ties as they hold dressing well.
- Ensure pasta is completely cooled and well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or replace it with a vegetarian deli meat.
- The salad can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
- Homemade Italian dressing can be used to customize flavor and fat content.
