Chopped Italian Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Combining tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives, this salad is a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and herby goodness.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, packing it for lunch, or making it ahead for a quick and delicious meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
A great pasta salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. This combination of Mediterranean flavors brings out the best in every bite.
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1/2 cup sliced salami or pepperoni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup sliced black and green olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
This pasta salad comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for meal prep or a hassle-free side dish. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying salad:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to cool it down, and set aside. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced salami, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, olives, red onion, roasted red peppers, Parmesan, and fresh basil. - Toss Everything Together:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. - Chill and Serve:
Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Tweaks and Additions
This pasta salad is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt based on your preferences. Here are some fun and delicious ways to tweak the recipe:
- Make It Vegetarian:
Skip the salami and add artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, or chickpeas for a protein-rich, meat-free version that still delivers plenty of bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. - Try a Different Cheese:
Swap mozzarella for feta to bring a tangy, salty bite to the salad, or use provolone for a more classic Italian deli-style taste with a mild, creamy texture. - Boost the Veggies:
Mix in diced cucumbers for added crunch, arugula for a peppery bite, or fresh spinach for a touch of leafy greens that complement the rich flavors. - Add a Sweet Element:
Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to introduce a natural sweetness with a deep, umami-packed flavor that enhances the overall balance of the salad. - Go for a Creamy Dressing:
Stir in a spoonful of pesto, Greek yogurt, or a bit of mayo to create a richer, creamier dressing that clings to the pasta and ingredients for a more indulgent texture. - Infuse with Garlic Butter:
Sauté minced garlic in melted butter and drizzle it over the salad before tossing to enhance the depth of flavor with a warm, aromatic richness. - Make It a Seafood Delight:
Swap the salami for grilled shrimp or flaked tuna to add a fresh, light seafood component that blends beautifully with the briny olives and tangy dressing. - Kick Up the Heat:
If you love spice, add chopped pepperoncini for a tangy punch, diced jalapeños for a fiery kick, or a drizzle of hot honey to create a unique sweet-and-spicy contrast. - Use a Different Pasta Shape:
While rotini and fusilli work great for holding onto the dressing, try bowtie pasta for an elegant touch, penne for a heartier bite, or orzo for a more delicate, refined version of the salad. - Gluten-Free Option:
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible to everyone while keeping all the delicious Mediterranean flavors intact and satisfying.
This Chopped Italian Pasta Salad is a deliciously fresh and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a light meal, or a meal-prep favorite, it’s guaranteed to bring bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table.
Try it out and let me know how you customize it—drop a comment below and share your favorite variations. Enjoy!