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Classic Pasta Salad

Classic Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Make-Ahead Crowd Favorite

This Classic Pasta Salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering, offering a flavorful make-ahead meal option.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Tri-color rotini pasta Substitute with macaroni, orecchiette, or shells.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved grape tomatoes or diced bell peppers work as substitutes.
  • 6 oz Sliced pepperoni Can swap for salami, turkey pepperoni, or omit for vegetarian.
  • 1 medium Red onion Scallions or shallots are milder alternatives.
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper Try yellow or red bell peppers.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella cheese Use cubed fresh mozzarella or mozzarella pearls.
  • ½ cup Grated parmesan cheese Consider pecorino romano for a stronger taste.
  • ½ cup Olives Artichoke hearts or capers may be used as alternatives.
For the Vinaigrette
  • ½ cup Olive oil
  • ¼ cup Red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for a bolder flavor.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 tsp Honey or sugar Optional for sweetness.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, sliced pepperoni, red onion, green bell pepper, mozzarella, grated parmesan, and olives. Gently toss to mix.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar until emulsified. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, whisking to combine.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
  5. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then toss again to redistribute the ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour for optimal flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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