Anna’s Amazing Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Hi everyone, Anna Kowalska here! Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s become a total staple in my kitchen: this amazing Italian Dressing Pasta Salad. It’s one of those dishes that just screams “good times” and brings everyone together, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a big family potluck. My cooking philosophy is all about sharing tried-and-true recipes that are packed with flavor and made with heart, and this pasta salad totally fits the bill. It’s a little bit traditional, a little bit modern inspiration, and a whole lot of deliciousness. I started making this years ago, and it’s quickly become a family favorite because it’s just so darn easy and always a crowd-pleaser!

Why This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a Must-Try

Honestly, this pasta salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, which is a lifesaver for me when I’m juggling a million things. Plus, the flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss* – that zesty Italian dressing with all the savory meats and fresh veggies is just perfect. It’s the kind of dish that travels well, making it ideal for picnics, BBQs, or any get-together. Seriously, it’s always the first thing to disappear!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this happen! First things first, you’ll need about a pound of rotini pasta – I love the way the little spirals hold onto all that delicious dressing. Then, we’re loading it up with goodies: quartered pepperoni and salami for that savory kick, sweet cherry tomatoes that I like to halve, black olives that I also halve after draining, and a vibrant mix of chopped orange and green bell peppers. Don’t forget the little zing from finely diced red onion and some chopped pepperoncini for that extra tang. Oh, and those adorable fresh mozzarella pearls? They’re the best! We’ll also need some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a final flourish. And of course, the star of the show is our homemade Italian dressing!

Homemade Italian Dressing Components

Now, about that dressing! You’ll need a good base of olive oil and red wine vinegar – I usually go with about half a cup of each. Then comes the flavor: a couple of cloves of minced garlic, a teaspoon of dried oregano, a teaspoon of dried basil, a half teaspoon of dried thyme, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny bit of heat, and salt and pepper to taste. A little Dijon mustard also helps emulsify everything and adds a lovely depth. Whisk it all together until it’s beautifully combined!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this incredible pasta salad! First things first, we need to get that homemade Italian dressing ready. Just whisk all those dressing ingredients together in a bowl or jar until they’re nicely blended. Pop it in the fridge to let those flavors meld. While that’s chilling, cook your rotini pasta in some nicely salted water following the package directions – you want it al dente, not mushy! Drain it well and then, this is important, toss the warm pasta with about HALF of your prepared dressing right in the big serving bowl. This helps the pasta soak up all that goodness. Then, we’ll add in the pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, and those mozzarella pearls. Give it all a good toss to make sure everything is coated. Now, cover it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours. This really lets all those amazing flavors come together. When you’re ready to serve, give it another good toss with the rest of that dressing and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan. It’s that easy!

Preparing the Homemade Italian Dressing

Just whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. A little Dijon mustard helps too!

Assembling the Pasta Salad

Toss the warm, drained pasta with half the dressing in a large bowl. Then, add in all the pepperoni, salami, veggies, pepperoncini, and mozzarella pearls. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Serving Your Perfect Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Before serving, give the salad a final toss with the remaining dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy!

Tips for the Ultimate Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

My biggest tip for this pasta salad is to really let it chill! Those flavors need time to get to know each other. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking – maybe you want it a little tangier or a little herby-er. If your pasta salad seems a bit dry after chilling for a while, just add a little more dressing to your portion; it’s an easy fix!

Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is my favorite because of its shape, you can totally use penne, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even macaroni. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds dressing well.

Q: What if I don’t want to use pepperoni and salami?
No problem! You can easily make this a vegetarian pasta salad by leaving out the meats. You could add some chickpeas or extra mozzarella for protein and texture instead.

Q: How far in advance can I make this?
You can make this pasta salad a day ahead, which is perfect for meal prep or parties. Just make sure it’s well-covered in the fridge. The flavors actually get even better overnight!

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some chopped cucumbers, celery, or even some marinated artichoke hearts. It’s a very forgiving recipe!

Storing and Reheating Your Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Leftovers are the best, right? Just cover any remaining pasta salad tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. Keep in mind that the pasta can absorb a bit more dressing as it sits, so if it seems a little dry when you’re ready for another serving, just stir in a little extra dressing right into your bowl. Easy peasy!

Enjoying Your Delicious Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

I really hope you and your family love this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad as much as mine does! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below. It’s always so rewarding to hear when one of my recipes becomes a favorite in your home!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving: Calories: 450, Fat: 25g, Protein: 15g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Sodium: 700mg. Please remember these are estimates, and the actual values can change depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use.

Print