Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a light meal. This recipe combines tender pasta, savory salami, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing for a delightful taste of Italy in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar (red preferred)
• 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp sugar (any kind)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) (optional)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 300g (10oz) spiral pasta or pasta of choice
• 180g (6oz) thick sliced salami, cut into 2.5cm (1″) batons (spicy salami recommended)
• 200g (7oz) baby bocconcini, halved
• 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 3cm strips
• 250g (8oz) whole olives (Sicilian and pitted black suggested)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (~1.5 Australian punnets)
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the olive oil, wine vinegar, parmesan, sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, parsley, chilli flakes (if using), salt, and pepper into a jar. Shake well to combine and create the dressing.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking further. Shake off excess water and transfer the pasta into a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the salami batons, halved bocconcini, red capsicum strips, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the pasta bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Serve the pasta salad at room temperature for the best flavor.
5. Step 5: (Make ahead tip) Before draining the pasta, scoop out a mug of the cooking water. Add 3 tablespoons of this water to the dressing jar and shake well. Use this slightly diluted dressing to toss the salad initially, reserving 3 tablespoons for refreshing the salad on following days.
6. Step 6: To freshen up leftovers, bring the salad to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave. Toss with the reserved dressing before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy salami for added heat, or substitute with cooked chicken or pepperoni for different protein options.
• Add chopped cucumbers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami and increase the bocconcini or add marinated artichokes.
• Freshly grated parmesan adds depth, so try to use quality cheese if possible.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture and freshness, toss the salad with reserved dressing or a little extra olive oil before serving leftovers. Avoid freezing as the texture of the ingredients may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well. Choose shapes that hold the dressing and ingredients nicely.

Is this salad best served cold or at room temperature?

It tastes best at room temperature, which allows the flavors to meld perfectly. However, it can be served chilled if preferred.

Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 136 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring spiral pasta, spicy salami, baby bocconcini, fresh vegetables, and olives, all tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, parmesan cheese, and herbs. Perfect for a refreshing meal or side dish served at room temperature.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar (red preferred)
• 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) (optional)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Salad

• 300g/10oz spiral pasta or pasta of choice
• 180g/6oz thick sliced spicy salami, cut into 2.5cm/1″ batons
• 200g/7oz baby bocconcini, halved
• 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 3cm/2.2cm strips
• 250g/8oz whole olives (Sicilian and pitted black recommended)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (~1.5 Australian punnets)
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Make the Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients—olive oil, vinegar, parmesan cheese, sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, parsley, chilli flakes, salt, and black pepper—into a jar. Shake well until fully combined and emulsified to create a smooth Italian dressing.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to keep it al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Shake off all excess water before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the thick sliced spicy salami batons, halved baby bocconcini, red bell pepper strips, whole olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves directly into the bowl with the pasta. Drizzle the previously made homemade Italian dressing over the top and toss everything gently until well coated and evenly mixed.
4. Serve the Salad: Serve the pasta salad immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
5. Make Ahead Tip: Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1 mug (about 240ml) of the pasta cooking water. Add 3 tablespoons of this water to the dressing jar, shake well, and toss with the pasta salad. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this dressing mixture to freshen up the salad on the following days.
6. Freshen Up on Day 2+: To revive the salad after refrigeration, bring it to room temperature or gently microwave it briefly to warm. Toss the pasta salad with the reserved dressing from the previous step to restore moisture and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Note 1: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth to the dressing that pre-grated cannot fully replicate.
• Note 2: Baby bocconcini lends a creamy, mild cheese flavor that complements the tangy dressing and spicy salami.
• Note 3: Using a mix of Sicilian olives and pitted black olives adds varied texture and rich briny flavors.
• Note 4: Reserving pasta cooking water and adding it to the dressing helps soften the salad and enhance flavors on subsequent days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, homemade Italian dressing, spiral pasta salad, salami pasta salad, bocconcini, summer salad, easy pasta salad