Easy Pasta Salad

I recently made a delicious tuna salad that my husband absolutely loved, which got me thinking—why not try something new and exciting? That’s when I decided to dive into the world of pasta salads. They’re perfect for summer gatherings and picnics, offering a refreshing blend of flavors and textures that everyone enjoys.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with a fresh twist, inspired by popular Greek and Italian pasta salads. This dish is special because it brings together the tanginess of feta cheese, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the crunch of fresh vegetables, all tied together with a homemade Italian dressing.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, where fresh ingredients and simple yet bold dressings are key. We’ll be using high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, salami, and Kalamata olives to give our salad a rich and satisfying taste.

Let’s Get Started!

Prep Time and Servings

This pasta salad is quick to prepare, taking about 20-30 minutes to prep and another 8-10 minutes to cook the pasta. It serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or family meals. To scale up or down, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally.

Easy as Pie

This recipe is easy and requires no special cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners. You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a cutting board for chopping vegetables, and a large bowl for assembling the salad.

Make-Ahead Options

This salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare all the ingredients, assemble the salad, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound uncooked pasta (like bowtie or penne)
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half
• 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional, but highly recommended for the tangy flavor)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1–2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons each dry oregano and dry basil
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional; parsley, basil, or chives add a lovely freshness)

Possible Substitutions

• Pasta: Use any shape you like, but bowtie or penne work well.
• Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with other soft cheeses like ricotta or feta.
• Meat: Use different types of salami or add some ham.
• Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

How to Make Pasta Salad : 5 Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the fresh parsley. Cut the mozzarella balls in half and cube the salami. This should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, vinegar, water, coarse sea salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, salami, olives, and pepperoncini. Pour about three-fourths of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining dressing for later use.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and add more dressing if needed.

Variations & Customization

One of the best things about pasta salads is how easily they can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Vegan: Replace cheese with vegan alternatives and use plant-based meats.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables.
• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes.
• Fancy Version: Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Everyday Version: Keep it simple with pasta, vegetables, and cheese.

Serving & Storage

• Plating Suggestions: Serve in a large, shallow bowl or individual bowls. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Best Side Dishes: Pair with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or grilled meats.
• Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the salad a good stir before serving.

With these steps and tips, you’re ready to create a pasta salad that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own!

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