Dessert

Best Pasta Salad Recipe

ByElena Hart August 17, 2026August 17, 2026

Introduction

This best pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a satisfying combination that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of a pasta salad in a white bowl shows three main layers mixed together. The base layer is curly, pale yellow rotini pasta, soft and slightly glossy. Scattered on top are thin, round slices of pink salami, halves of bright red cherry tomatoes with juicy interiors, and dark black olive rings with smooth surfaces. Mixed in are small white mozzarella balls sprinkled with green herbs and quartered artichoke hearts with pale green layers. The dish is lightly coated with a shiny dressing and small bits of herbs, all set against a white marbled surface beneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. cooked fusilli pasta
8 oz. mozzarella balls, halved

4 oz. salami, quartered
1 cup artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked fusilli pasta, halved mozzarella balls, quartered salami, chopped artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives.

Step 2: In a jar with a lid, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, red wine vinegar, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Secure the lid and shake well to blend all the ingredients. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or arugula right before serving.

Substitute salami with pepperoni or grilled chicken for a different twist.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Prepare the salad a few hours ahead to let the flavors develop, but add fresh herbs and cheese just before serving to keep them vibrant.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, avoid adding fresh herbs and cheese until ready to serve. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark gray round plate filled with rotini pasta layered with slices of pink salami, halved bright red cherry tomatoes, white round mozzarella balls, black olive rings, and pale green artichoke hearts. The pasta is loosely mixed with herbs and a light dressing, visible as small green flecks on each ingredient. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie will work well in this salad and hold the dressing nicely.

How long can I make this pasta salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add fresh herbs and cheese just before serving for the best flavor and texture.