Classic Pasta Salad
Is it even summer without a delicious pasta salad? I always love serving up a big bowl at our summer parties, or taking it along to cookouts at friends’. Loaded with fresh Italian ingredients, this dish is always a hit!
How to make this Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
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Cook the pasta to al-dente, per package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking; shake off excess liquid. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. Pour the cooked pasta onto the paper towels to let the pasta dry 10-15 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, add pasta, salami, tomatoes, onions, Mozzarella, peperoncini, olives and basil; stir to combine. Pour ¾ cup dressing over the pasta salad and toss well (all pasta ingredients should be coated with the dressing). Refrigerate in an airtight container until time to serve and add the remaining ¼ cup dressing. Toss together until well incorporated and serve.
Cold Pasta Recipe
A cold pasta salad is always a great option for a side dish during the summer months. You can make it ahead of time and it comes together so easily. Italian meats add a real depth of flavor to this pasta and fresh basil leaves give it an amazing lift. Tri-colored pasta makes it extra pretty and perfect to serve to guests.
What goes with Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Generally I serve this up as a side dish, along with some grilled meats, a Potato Salad and a big leafy green salad. Just pop the big bowl into the middle of the table and everyone can help themselves for easy entertaining. This Italian Pasta Salad also keeps well, covered in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s also a great option for make ahead cold lunches and dinners.
What to pair with Classic Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad goes with everything, lets face it! Here are some of our favorite ways to pair this perfect Italian pasta salad recipe for Summer!
Grilled BurgersGrilled Pork ChopsBaked Chili DogsButter Burger RecipeCrockpot RibsEgg SaladChicken Avocado PitasBLT SandwichSlow Cooker French Dip
What makes this pasta salad Italian?
I love the classic Italian flavors in this salad – it quite simply tastes like summer! The Italian ingredients that make up this dish are;
Rotini PastaItalian SalamiGlory TomatoesRed OnionMozzarella PearlsPeperonciniOlivesBasil LeavesItalian Dressing
Be sure to use the freshest and best quality ingredients that you can for a real hit of flavor!
Be sure to check out these other summer salad recipes!
Green Goddess Pasta Salad RecipeStrawberry Salad with Poppy Seed DressingBuffalo Chicken Pasta SaladCaesar Salad Recipe (Classic Caesar Salad)Easy Macaroni Salad
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
