Easy Homemade Italian Pasta Salad (with Italian Vinaigrette Dressing)

Learn how to make a delicious Homemade Italian Pasta Salad with a Homemade Italian Vinaigrette Dressing. Light, fresh, and delicious – this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next big party (or you can enjoy it all yourself).

What is Italian Pasta Salad?

Italian pasta salad is a cold dish made with cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, high quality cheeses, and meats, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its robust flavors and colorful presentation. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any pretty much any occasion.

Choosing the Right Pasta

The type of pasta you choose plays a crucial role in the texture and taste of your homemade Italian pasta salad. Short, sturdy pasta shapes that can hold the dressing and mix well with other ingredients are ideal.

Cooking Perfect Al Dente Pasta

Cooking pasta al dente is essential for pasta salad. Overcooked pasta can and will become mushy when mixed with dressing. To achieve al dente, cook the pasta according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by one or two minutes. The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what you have on hand (or prefer). You can substitute orzo or couscous for pasta, use roasted vegetables instead of raw ones, or try different types of cheeses or meats!

Homemade Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 16 oz. Rotelle pasta (or Rotini)
• 1 large bell pepper (1/2 cup), chopped
• 8 oz block cheese (Mozzarella or Cheddar), cubed
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni, minced

Homemade Italian Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice; freshly squeezed
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Homemade Italian Pasta Salad Directions

1. Bring large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Allow pasta to cool.
2. While pasta is cooking, cut peppers, cheese and pepperoni; place into large mixing bowl and set aside while making homemade Italian Vinaigrette dressing.
3. In a separate small bowl (or jar), whisk together the olive oil, red win vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add salt and pepper to taste; mix well to combine.

4. Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with peppers, cheese, and pepperoni. Carefully pour in the homemade Italian Vinaigrette dressing; stir and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5. Place the homemade Italian pasta salad in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. Lastly and most importantly – enjoy with company!

Recipes That Pair Well

Looking for something delicious to go along with this pasta salad? We highly recommend checking out our Summer Sensations recipe catalog: