This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish loaded with tender pasta, shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, savory beef salami, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or an easy family dinner, this cold pasta salad delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays
- Packed with fresh vegetables and protein
- Great for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Delicious served chilled any time of year
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (small shells or rotini)
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup beef salami, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup English cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, olive oil, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to a jar with a lid.
- Shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and fully combined. Refrigerate while preparing the salad.
- Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds.
- Shake off excess water and allow the pasta to cool.
- Chop the chicken, beef salami, tomatoes, olives, roasted red pepper, cucumber, parsley, and red onion.
- Add the cooled pasta, chicken, beef salami, vegetables, parsley, and Parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Toss again and serve chilled. This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy salad.
- Rinse pasta briefly to stop the cooking process.
- Chill the dressing before mixing for deeper flavor.
- Use rotini, fusilli, shells, or bowtie pasta.
- Add mozzarella pearls for extra creaminess.
- For a lighter version, reduce the mayonnaise or omit it entirely.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, Nut-Free
Notes
- Substitute turkey salami for beef salami if preferred.
- Add artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, sandwiches, or soups.
- Fresh basil can be added for additional freshness.
- This pasta salad works well as a complete lunch meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients up to one day ahead and store the dressing separately until serving.
What is the best pasta for Italian Pasta Salad Recipe?
Rotini, fusilli, bowties, and small shells are excellent because they hold the dressing well.
Can I make this recipe without meat?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and beef salami or replace them with chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
Undressed pasta salad lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Why is my pasta salad dry the next day?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Add a splash of olive oil or extra dressing before serving.
Can I use bottled Italian dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing provides the freshest flavor and best texture.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, keep extra dressing separate and add before serving.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables and pasta may become watery after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold. If refrigerated, simply toss and serve chilled.
Similar Recipes
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups uncooked pasta small shells or rotini
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken shredded and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup beef salami thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper coarsely chopped
- 1 cup English cucumber chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, olive oil, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to a jar with a lid.
- Shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and fully combined. Refrigerate while preparing the salad.
- Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds.
- Shake off excess water and allow the pasta to cool.
- Chop the chicken, beef salami, tomatoes, olives, roasted red pepper, cucumber, parsley, and red onion.
- Add the cooled pasta, chicken, beef salami, vegetables, parsley, and Parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Toss again and serve chilled. This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Substitute turkey salami for beef salami if preferred.
- Add artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, sandwiches, or soups.
- Fresh basil can be added for additional freshness.
- This pasta salad works well as a complete lunch meal.
Conclusion
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Whether you’re preparing it for meal prep, a summer gathering, or a quick family meal, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad is easy to make, satisfying, and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.