This Italian-style cold pasta salad brings vibrant, zesty flavors that perfectly complement a cheesy pizza night at home.

Pasta Salad That Keeps the Party Cool and Flavorful

Looking to balance the richness of a pizza feast with something lighter? This Italian-Inspired Cold Pasta Salad offers a refreshing contrast with its crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and flavorful additions like mozzarella and olives. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility—you can mix and match ingredients to suit any taste.

With pasta as the backbone, the salad incorporates fresh basil, cucumbers, black olives, and cherry tomatoes, making it a light yet satisfying side. Optional ingredients, like salami or pepperoni, add heartiness for those who want an extra savory bite. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s an effortless one.

The Dressing: A Tangy Medley That Ties It All Together

At the heart of this cold pasta salad is its homemade vinaigrette, a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This dressing brings together the fresh flavors of the salad, adding the right amount of zing to complement the pasta without overpowering the pizza. As the pasta absorbs the dressing during refrigeration, the flavors only get better with time, making it ideal for prepping in advance.

To prepare the salad, simply cook your pasta, chop the ingredients, and whisk up the vinaigrette. Toss it all together and chill for 30 minutes—it’s that easy. Top it off with grated Parmesan just before serving to add a salty, umami finish.

Elevate Pizza Night with This Make-Ahead Favorite

This cold pasta salad isn’t just a pizza side—it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted for lunches, picnics, or any gathering. Whether you follow the recipe as is or swap in your favorite ingredients, it offers a deliciously customizable solution for any occasion.

Italian-Inspired Cold Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

12 oz rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls (or cubes)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced
1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
Prep the ingredients: While the pasta cools, prepare the salad ingredients by slicing the cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, cucumber, and any other optional ingredients like salami or pepperoni.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the vegetables, cheese, basil, and any optional meats. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving.

This pasta salad is light, zesty, and complements the richness of pizza with its tangy and fresh flavors. It’s also versatile, so you can swap in your favorite ingredients!

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