This Italian dressing pasta salad is the perfect summer side bursting with flavor!
Salami, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and marinated artichokes are tossed with pasta and ready-made Italian dressing!
![Enjoy a delightful Italian dressing pasta salad that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors. This salad features salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts, all mixed with fusilli pasta. Tossed with Italian dressing and a mix of zesty seasonings, it's a vibrant and tasty dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is served cold and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully in the refrigerator. #ourzestylife glass bowl of Italian Pasta Salad](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad
- It’s colorful and crisp with zesty flavors.
- This recipe is so easy to make in just 2 simple steps.
- Italian dressing pasta salad that stays fresh longer than lettuce-based salads.
- This versatile dish stands alone as a main dish, but also works as a side with BBQ chicken, beef kabobs, or a juicy flank steak!
![Italian dressing pasta salad is a delightful one-bowl meal that will be the star of any gathering. It includes salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts mixed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and zesty seasonings. Perfect for picnics and barbecues, it's best enjoyed cold. Prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld in the fridge. Add your favorite herbs or alter the ingredients to make this versatile and easy-to-customize salad your own! #ourzestylife pasta , tomatoes , cheese , parsley , olives , salami , artichoke hearts , pepper , italian dressing, parmesan , garlic powder , salt and pepper with labels to make Italian Pasta Salad](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IG-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Pasta: Fusilli is a fun spiral-shaped pasta the dressing easily clings to. Other kinds of pasta that hold the dressing well are rotini, bowtie, medium-sized elbow, or shell-shaped pasta.
Salami: Chopped salami is delicious in this recipe, but sliced pepperoni or summer sausage make great substitutes.
Vegetables: Lots of colorful and crisp veggies make this salad so popular! Be sure they are all relatively uniform in size so a little gets in every bite! If using canned veggies, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly.
Cheese: Mozzarella cubes, bocconcini (mozzarella balls), crumbled feta, and blue cheese crumbles add creamy and tangy flavor, but any cheese works!
Dressing: Choose any creamy or vinaigrette-style Italian dressing, or make your own and have leftover dressing for other pasta salads or as a marinade for fish and chicken.
Variations
- Mix and match the pasta, protein, veggies, and cheese to make a new recipe every time—experiment using mini meatballs or even bacon crumbles.
- Missing any ingredients, or maybe not a fan of some? No problem, omit what you don’t like or don’t have. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether and use small cubes of tofu instead.
- Sliced cucumbers, zucchini, peas, edamame, chickpeas, shredded carrots, corn kernels, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and red onion are all great additions to a pasta salad.
![This Italian dressing pasta salad is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. Featuring a mix of salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts with fusilli pasta, it's a balanced meal in one bowl. The Italian dressing and seasonings add a delicious zesty kick.Serve it cold for the best flavor, and customize it with your favorite bottled dressing or homemade version. #ourzestylife ingredients in a bowl to make Italian Pasta Salad](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
How to Make Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Gently toss all ingredients in a large bowl until combined (recipe below.)
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, some parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
![Create a colorful and satisfying Italian dressing pasta salad with this easy recipe. Combine salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts with fusilli pasta, for a complete meal in a bowl. The Italian dressing and zesty seasonings add a burst of flavor, making it perfect for picnics and barbecues. This salad is best served cold, so prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Use your preferred salad dressing for a personal touch. #ourzestylife mixed ingredients to make Italian Pasta Salad](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
Serving and Storing
- This salad tastes best when it’s uber-cold so feel free to assemble ahead and toss with the dressing just before serving.
- Keep Italian pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and stir before serving. Add some fresh dressing to refresh the flavors.
![This Italian dressing pasta salad recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts mixed with fusilli pasta, it's colorful and delicious. Toss it all with Italian dressing and a blend of zesty seasonings for a delightful taste experience. Ideal for picnics and barbecues, this salad is best served cold. Prepare it ahead and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for the best results. #ourzestylife close up of Italian Pasta Salad in a bowl](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
More Cold Pasta Salads To Try
Did you enjoy this Italian Pasta Salad recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
![bowl of Italian Pasta Salad with cheese](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-7-500x500.jpg)
Italian Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli tri-colored if desired (or rotini)
- 8 ounces salami chopped
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed (about ¾ cup)
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 4 ounces black olives large, halved or sliced, 1 can, any size 3.8-6 ounces will work
- 13.75-15 ounces artichoke hearts quartered, 1 can
- 1 pint grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Italian salad dressing store-bought, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tablespoons freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Add Ins
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- pepperoncini peppers thinly sliced
- ½ long english cucumber diced
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente per package directions. Rinse under cold water and cool completely.
- To a large bowl, add cooked and cooled fusilli, salami, mozzarella cheese, bell pepper, black olives, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, Italian salad dressing, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. If refrigerating overnight, taste and refresh the salad with a little additional dressing if needed.
Notes
- Nutrition calculation does not include garnish or optional add in’s.
- Best served cold.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add some fresh dressing to refresh the flavors if needed.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![Italian dressing pasta salad is a perfect one-bowl meal that's both delicious and full of zesty and bright flavors. It has salami, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts mixed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and zesty seasonings. This hearty dish is great as a take-along for picnics and barbecues. Make it ahead and refrigerate to allow the flavors to blend. Customize it with your favorite herbs for a versatile summer salad! #ourzestylife bowl of Italian Pasta Salad with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-1-2.jpg)
![This recipe for Italian dressing pasta salad is a delicious balanced meal in one easy bowl. Salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives and artichoke hearts are tossed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing and other zesty seasonings for a hearty, balanced dish that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. This easy summer salad is best served cold. Make it ahead and let the flavors blend in the refrigerator. Dress it with your favorite bottled salad dressing or make your own. #ourzestylife Italian Pasta Salad with cheese in a bowl and a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![This Italian dressing pasta salad is a tasty and balanced meal in one bowl. It includes salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts tossed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and zesty seasonings. It’s the perfect bring-along dish for picnics and barbecues. Prepare it in advance to let the flavors blend in the refrigerator, because it’s best served cold. Add your favorite herbs to make it your own. This versatile salad is so easy to customize! #ourzestylife easy Italian Pasta Salad in a bowl with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![The next time you’re hosting a barbecue, why not make this delicious Italian dressing pasta salad? It combines salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and flavorful seasonings. It’s practically a meal in a bowl! Italian pasta salad tastes best served cold. Prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors meld in the fridge. Use your favorite herbs to customize this easy and versatile summer salad! #ourzestylife Italian Pasta Salad with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Italian dressing pasta salad offers a delicious and balanced meal in a single bowl. The combination of salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts mixed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and seasonings makes it hearty and flavorful. Perfect for picnics and barbecues, this salad is best served cold. Prepare it ahead to allow flavors to blend in the refrigerator. Use a salad dressing from a bottle, or dress it with your own for a customized twist! #ourzestylife Italian Pasta Salad in a bowl with dressing and plated and a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OZL-1-.jpg)
![This Italian dressing pasta salad is a tasty, balanced dish with savory, fresh and zesty flavors. It features salami, cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, and artichoke hearts tossed with fusilli pasta, Italian dressing, and other zesty seasonings. It’s an ideal dish to take along to picnics and barbecues, and is best served cold. Make ahead to blend the flavors, and enjoy for lunch all week. Customize it with your own salad dressing for a versatile summer dish! #ourzestylife Italian Pasta Salad with parmesan and writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LP-Italian-Pasta-Salad-OurZestyLife-.jpg)