This easy potluck pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, rotini pasta, and a flavorful Italian-style dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, picnics, and family parties.

Pasta Salad

Looking for the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, family gatherings, or meal prep? This Ultimate Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with tender rotini pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, savory salami, olives, and a homemade Italian dressing that brings everything together. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day, making it a make-ahead favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings
• Easy to make ahead
• Packed with bold Italian flavors
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 pound uncooked rotini pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, halved
• 1 pound salami or summer sausage, cubed
• 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 3/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

• 1 1/2 cups olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss lightly with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Cube the salami or summer sausage. Slice the olives, pepperoncini, and red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, water, sea salt, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley.

Pour about three-fourths of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.

Step 6: Serve

Before serving, toss the salad again and add additional dressing if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Rotini works best because the twists hold onto the dressing.
• Make it a day ahead for even better flavor.
• Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, cucumber, or Parmesan cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Save some dressing to refresh leftovers before serving.
• Use fresh mozzarella pearls for quick preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

How long does pasta salad last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, bowtie, cavatappi, or shells all work well.

Ultimate Italian Pasta Salad

Loaded with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, salami, and a zesty homemade dressing, this Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout, picnic, or family dinner, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!