Go Back
pasta salad with olives cherry tomatoes basil and herbs in bowl with logo and text

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Giulia, a passionate food enthusiast at Eat Every Slice, smiling in a bright kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and Italian-American inspiration.Giulia M.
A refreshing and easy-to-make cold Italian pasta salad featuring classic Italian flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk for dressing

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls halved

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, chop the red onion, and slice the olives.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, sliced olives, and mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a good stir, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions: Try feta cheese instead of mozzarella.
How to Serve: Pair with grilled meats or Italian bread.
Storage & Freshness: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
Keyword cold italian pasta salad, Easy Pasta Salad, summer salad