ADVERTISEMENT
This loaded Italian pasta salad is the ultimate cold pasta salad recipe for summer parties, potlucks, BBQs, and easy family meals. Packed with colorful rotini pasta, savory pepperoni, cheese cubes, crisp vegetables, and olives, every bite is bursting with bold Italian-inspired flavor.
Tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this easy pasta salad is refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for making ahead. The combination of creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful pepperoni creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Whether served as a side dish or light meal, this pasta salad is always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy make-ahead pasta salad
- Loaded with bold Italian flavors
- Perfect for potlucks and cookouts
- Great for meal prep
- Fresh, colorful, and satisfying
- Simple homemade dressing
- Perfect side dish for summer meals
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
- 1 cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese cubes
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Add-Ins
- Salami slices
- Banana peppers
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Chickpeas
- Mozzarella pearls
ADVERTISEMENT
