This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish packed with tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for quick lunches, gatherings, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian pasta salad is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s simple to prepare, family-friendly, and highly customizable. The balance of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (small shells or rotini)
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded and chopped
- 1/2 cup beef or turkey salami, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake well until smooth and creamy. Chill for best flavor.
- Bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
- Prepare all ingredients: chop chicken, slice salami, and dice vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, salami, vegetables, parsley, and Parmesan.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe tastes best when evenly coated.
- Chill for 10 minutes, toss again, and serve fresh.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness
- Chill dressing before mixing for deeper flavor
- Substitute chicken with tuna or chickpeas for variation
- Add mozzarella cubes for extra richness
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Use beef or turkey salami to keep the recipe halal
- Add avocado or feta for a creamy twist
- Perfect as a side dish or main meal
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
1. Can I make this Italian pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving for best texture.
2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells holds the dressing well.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely, just omit the chicken and salami.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored properly.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing enhances flavor significantly.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Keep dressing separate for meal prep
- Do not freeze, as texture may change
- Re-toss before serving
Similar Recipes
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked pasta small shells or rotini
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken shredded and chopped
- 1/2 cup beef or turkey salami thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake well until smooth and creamy. Chill for best flavor.
- Bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
- Prepare all ingredients: chop chicken, slice salami, and dice vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, salami, vegetables, parsley, and Parmesan.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe tastes best when evenly coated.
- Chill for 10 minutes, toss again, and serve fresh.
Notes
- Use beef or turkey salami to keep the recipe halal
- Add avocado or feta for a creamy twist
- Perfect as a side dish or main meal
Conclusion
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a reliable, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. Whether you’re hosting or meal prepping, it delivers fresh taste and convenience every time.