Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with savory salami, fresh bocconcini, and ripe cherry tomatoes, it’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar (red preferred)
• 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp sugar (any kind)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes (red pepper flakes), optional
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 300g (10oz) spiral pasta, or other pasta of choice
• 180g (6oz) thick sliced salami, cut into 2.5cm (1”) batons (spicy salami recommended)
• 200g (7oz) baby bocconcini, halved
• 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), cut into 3cm strips
• 250g (8oz) whole olives (Sicilian and pitted black recommended)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1.5 Australian punnets)
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place all dressing ingredients—olive oil, vinegar, parmesan, sugar, garlic, dried herbs, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper—into a jar. Shake well until thoroughly combined.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the packet directions, but reduce cooking time by 1 minute for a firmer texture. Drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the salami, bocconcini, red capsicum, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve the salad at room temperature for best flavor.
5. Step 5 (Make ahead tip): Before draining the pasta, scoop out a mug of pasta cooking water. Add 3 tablespoons of this water to the dressing jar and shake well. Use this slightly diluted dressing when tossing the salad. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this dressing for refreshing the salad on subsequent days.
6. Step 6 (To freshen leftovers): Bring the pasta salad to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave. Toss with the reserved dressing before serving to restore moisture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy salami to add an extra kick, or substitute with smoked ham or pepperoni for a different flavor.
• Try adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a heartier salad.
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano can be added alongside basil for more aromatic complexity.
• If you prefer a milder salad, omit the chili flakes entirely.
• Using pasta shapes that hold the dressing well, like fusilli or rotini, enhances flavor distribution.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive the pasta’s freshness, allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave, then toss with the reserved dressing before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and cheese may suffer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Spiral or corkscrew pasta works well because it holds the dressing and ingredients nicely.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Also, replace the bocconcini with marinated tofu or vegan cheese, and choose a salami substitute or leave it out entirely.

Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring spiral pasta, spicy salami, baby bocconcini, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a refreshing meal, served at room temperature with a note on how to freshen it up for later servings.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar (red preferred)
• 1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) (optional)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Salad Ingredients

• 300g/10oz spiral pasta, or other pasta of choice
• 180g/6oz thick sliced salami, cut into 2.5cm/1″ batons (spicy salami recommended)
• 200g/7oz baby bocconcini, halved
• 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 3cm/2.2cm strips
• 250g/8oz whole olives (Sicilian and pitted black olives used)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (~1.5 Australian punnets)
• 1 cup (tightly packed) fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients – olive oil, vinegar, parmesan, sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, parsley, optional chilli flakes, salt, and black pepper – into a jar. Shake well until combined and emulsified.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the spiral pasta according to the packet instructions but reduce the cooking time by one minute to keep it slightly firm. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse under cold water to halt further cooking. Shake off excess water thoroughly and transfer the drained pasta into a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the thick-sliced salami batons, halved baby bocconcini, red bell pepper strips, whole olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the bowl with the pasta. Drizzle the previously made dressing over the ingredients and toss everything gently until well coated and mixed. Serve at room temperature.
4. Make Ahead Pro Tip: Just before draining the pasta, scoop out a mug of the pasta cooking water. Stir 3 tablespoons of this starchy water into the dressing and shake well before using. Reserve another 3 tablespoons of this dressing mixture to freshen the salad on subsequent days.
5. Freshen Up Pasta Salad: To serve leftovers, bring the pasta salad to room temperature or briefly microwave it to gently warm the pasta and avoid dryness. Toss the salad with the reserved dressing to refresh flavors before serving.

Notes

• Note 1: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth to the dressing.
• Note 2: Baby bocconcini are small mozzarella balls; halving them helps distribute the cheese evenly throughout the salad.
• Note 3: Using a mix of Sicilian and pitted black olives adds a robust flavor and variety in texture.
• Note 4: The reserved pasta water helps the dressing cling better to the pasta and keeps the salad moist for days.

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, homemade Italian dressing, salami pasta salad, bocconcini salad, olive pasta salad, easy pasta salad