Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or quick meals. Combining al dente bowtie pasta with colorful vegetables, savory salami, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing, this salad balances textures and flavors beautifully. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal make-ahead side or main dish that can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Proteins & Dairy
- 8 ounces salami, diced
- 7 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, following package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with about a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow the pasta to cool in a colander.
- Prepare dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake until well blended.
- Prep vegetables and meats: Chop the red and green bell peppers, halve the little tomatoes, chop the pepperoncini peppers and red onion, pit and slice the Kalamata or black olives, dice the salami, and slice the basil and parsley.
- Combine salad: In a large salad bowl, add the cooled pasta along with all the prepped vegetables, salami, mozzarella balls, and grated parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish or cover and chill it for a couple of hours to allow flavors to meld for a tastier experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add other Italian-style ingredients such as artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
