There is nothing quite as delightful as a vibrant, flavorful pasta salad that instantly transports your taste buds to the heart of Italy. This Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and zesty homemade dressing that comes together quickly and effortlessly. Imagine al dente spiral pasta coated in a tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette, mingling with spicy salami, creamy bocconcini, crisp bell peppers, briny olives, and sun-ripened cherry tomatoes—each bite bursting with color, texture, and layers of savory goodness that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian pasta salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element, from the extra virgin olive oil to the fresh basil, plays a vital role in balancing flavors, adding texture, and uplifting the overall dish. These ingredients are easy to find but come together to create an extraordinary salad experience.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Provides a rich, fruity base for the dressing and helps bind the flavors beautifully.
- Red or white wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, tangy acidity that wakes up the palate; red wine vinegar gives a deeper color and flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1 1/2 tbsp): Brings a subtle salty umami note to the dressing for extra depth.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic clove, minced (1 large): Infuses the dressing with robust warmth and aromatic punch.
- Dried basil and oregano (1/2 tsp each): Classic Italian herbs that add fragrant Mediterranean notes.
- Dried parsley (1/4 tsp): Introduces a mild herbaceous quality that complements the other spices.
- Dried chili flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For just a hint of heat to elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
- Salt (3/4 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Spiral pasta (300g/10oz): Or your preferred pasta shape; its twists capture the dressing perfectly.
- Thick sliced salami (180g/6oz), cut into batons: Adds a hearty, savory, and slightly spicy protein element.
- Baby bocconcini (200g/7oz), halved: Creamy and mild cheese that balances the bold flavors.
- Red capsicum/bell pepper (1), cut into strips: Offers a crisp, sweet crunch along with vibrant color.
- Whole olives (250g/8oz): I used Sicilian and pitted black olives; their brininess is key to flavor contrast.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups), halved: Juicy and bursting with natural sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, packed): Provides freshness and an aromatic burst just before serving.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by putting all the dressing ingredients into a jar – that means olive oil, vinegar, parmesan, sugar, garlic, herbs, chili flakes if you want some heat, salt, and pepper. Shake it vigorously until everything is well combined. This homemade Italian dressing is the soul of your salad, bursting with vibrant flavors you won’t find in store-bought versions.
Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Pasta
Cook your spiral pasta according to package instructions but set your timer so you finish one minute before al dente. This slight undercooking ensures the pasta remains firm when tossed with the dressing and other ingredients. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, then shake to remove excess water and place the pasta in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the salami batons, halved baby bocconcini, strips of red bell pepper, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the large bowl with the pasta. Pour the homemade Italian dressing over everything, then toss gently but thoroughly so each piece is coated with that zesty, herb-laden dressing. The combination of textures and flavors here is what makes this salad so standout – fresh, creamy, spicy, and tangy all at once.
Step 4: Serve at Room Temperature
This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature where the flavors can truly bloom. After tossing, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the dressing to marry with all the ingredients. It’s perfect for a potluck, a picnic, or any sunny afternoon meal.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take your pasta salad over the top, consider adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a handful of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. A few fresh basil leaves left whole on top add a beautiful, fresh finish that also invites guests to stir it in as they like.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, or alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing. If you’re hosting a barbecue, try serving it with roasted vegetables or simple grilled steaks for a balanced and hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this vibrant salad in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase its stunning colors, or make individual servings layered in mason jars for a fun and portable option. Another idea is to hollow out a large bell pepper or a hollowed-out bread bowl to hold the salad—it makes for a charming, rustic presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh herbs and mozzarella, it’s best eaten within that time to enjoy all the bright, fresh flavors at their peak.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh vegetables and bocconcini do not freeze well and can become watery or lose their texture once thawed. Stick to fresh and chilled for the best results.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply allow it to sit out of the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Warm it gently only if needed, as heat will soften the veggies and alter the delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral pasta is great for capturing the dressing, penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work beautifully as well. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is the dressing suitable for vegans if I leave out the parmesan?
Yes, you can omit the parmesan to keep the dressing vegan-friendly. To keep some of the savory umami, you could try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast as a substitute.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The homemade Italian dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
What if I don’t like spicy salami?
No worries at all. You can swap spicy salami for mild salami, pepperoni, or even cooked ham. The key is to have a flavorful cured meat to complement the freshness of the veggies.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
If you want to boost the protein, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even canned tuna would be excellent additions that work well with the Italian dressing and fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that never fails to impress whether it’s a casual meal or part of a larger spread. Its bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd favorite any time of year. I truly encourage you to give it a try and see how easily it becomes one of your go-to recipes for delicious, colorful, and hearty eating. You’re going to love it!
