Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a zingy, crowd-pleasing side that’s as colorful as it is delicious, this Classic Pasta Salad will absolutely win you over. Packed with chewy tri-color rotini, crisp veggies, zesty pepperoni, and two types of cheese, all tossed with a bold homemade Italian dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or just easy weeknight dinners. Every bite bursts with texture, flavor, and that unmistakable feeling of summer in a bowl. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing a big, chilled bowl of Classic Pasta Salad with family or friends on a warm afternoon—you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Classic Pasta Salad is how it turns humble pantry and fridge staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient shines on its own, adding a unique pop of color, flavor, or texture. Here’s everything you’ll need—and why you don’t want to skip a thing!

• Tri-color rotini pasta (24 ounces): The three colors not only make the salad gorgeous but also offer slightly different flavors and a fun, chewy texture perfect for soaking up the dressing.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Their sweet burst balances the salty cheeses and meats beautifully.
• Pepperoni (12 ounces, sliced): Adds a hearty, slightly spicy bite that makes this salad feel extra indulgent.
• Red onion (1, diced): Brings a crisp, slightly sharp flavor that wakes everything up.
• Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds crunch and a touch of bitterness for bold contrast.
• Mozzarella cheese (16 ounces, cubed): Creamy, mild mozzarella gives those delightful rich pockets in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Salty and nutty, parmesan deepens the salad’s savory heart.
• Olives (8 ounces, sliced): Their briny tang pops through each forkful—don’t hold back if you’re a fan!
• Olive oil (1 1/2 cups): The base for a luscious vinaigrette that coats every piece.
• Red wine vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds a brightly acidic backbone to balance those rich, creamy elements.
• Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons): Infuses a gentle herby warmth that’s key to the salad’s identity.
• Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): For mellow garlic flavor that lingers without overpowering.
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings all the flavors together and ensures your veggies shine.
• Pepper (1 teaspoon): A little black pepper adds just the right punchy depth.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle heat that keeps you coming back for another bite.

How to Make Classic Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a full boil, then pour in your tri-color rotini. Cook according to the package directions until al dente—the pasta should be tender but still have a pleasing bite. Immediately drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch. This step is key for keeping the Classic Pasta Salad perfectly firm and preventing it from getting gummy when you toss everything together.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Mix-Ins

While the pasta cools, grab a big bowl and add your cherry tomatoes, sliced pepperoni, diced red onion and green bell pepper, cubed mozzarella, grated parmesan, and olives. Give them a gentle mix to evenly distribute the flavors and colors. When your pasta is cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl with your mix-ins. This way, the heat from freshly-cooked noodles won’t wilt the veggies or melt the cheese.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Italian Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing looks creamy and cohesive—you want to emulsify the oil and vinegar so every bite gets a share of those zesty flavors. The dressing is what pulls your Classic Pasta Salad together, turning ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour every drop of your homemade vinaigrette over the pasta and mix-ins. Use a big spoon or spatula to toss everything together, making sure the dressing reaches all the nooks and crannies. It may look like a lot of dressing at first, but the pasta will absorb so much flavor as it chills. Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This cool-down helps the flavors blend beautifully and ensures every bite is as refreshing as it is savory.

Step 5: Final Toss and Serve

If your Classic Pasta Salad has been in the fridge longer than an hour (especially overnight), let it warm slightly at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This wakes up the flavors, and a quick toss will redistribute any dressing that’s settled at the bottom of the bowl. Now, you’re ready to dig in or take your masterpiece on the road!

How to Serve Classic Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Spruce up your bowl with a handful of fresh basil ribbons, extra parmesan shavings, or even a sprinkle of colorful microgreens. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a glossy finish and a rich aroma that highlights the salad’s Italian roots. Simple touches like these really elevate a Classic Pasta Salad from homemade to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Classic Pasta Salad pairs effortlessly with just about anything on your summer table. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or crispy baked fish for a complete meal. It’s also a hit with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the vinaigrette. Honestly, don’t be surprised if it steals the spotlight at your next gathering, no matter what’s on the menu!

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, layer your Classic Pasta Salad in a clear trifle dish so those vibrant layers of pasta, veggies, meats, and cheese shine through. Individual mason jar servings are perfect for picnics or potlucks, and they look adorable lined up on a table. You can even serve over a bed of baby spinach or arugula for a fun twist that adds a little extra green.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Give it a good toss before serving to mix in any dressing that has settled, and add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if you feel it needs brightening up. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.

Freezing

While Classic Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, freezing is possible if you have extra. For the best texture, freeze before adding fresh veggies and cheeses; thaw overnight in the fridge, then mix in fresh ingredients before serving. Just keep in mind that pasta salads with cheese and vegetables may soften or lose their snappy texture after freezing.

Reheating

Classic Pasta Salad is almost always served cold or at room temperature, but if you’d like it slightly warmed (say for a winter potluck), gently microwave it in short bursts, covering loosely, and stirring every 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cheeses may melt too much and the veggies could go limp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Classic Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While tri-color rotini is classic for its fun look and sauce-catching shape, penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work well. Just aim for a short pasta with plenty of nooks so it holds onto the dressing and toppings.

How can I make Classic Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Simply skip the pepperoni and maybe add extra veggies like cucumber, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also toss in some chickpeas or white beans for an extra dose of protein and fiber.

What’s the best way to keep Classic Pasta Salad from drying out?

A quick toss with a splash of olive oil or an extra spoonful of dressing right before serving works wonders. Pasta tends to soak up dressing as it sits, so don’t be shy about brightening things up if it seems a little dry the next day.

Can I make Classic Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily use your favorite gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Just be sure not to overcook it, as gluten-free varieties can soften quickly. Give it a cold rinse after boiling to help it keep its shape.

Is Classic Pasta Salad safe to sit out at a picnic?

It’ll be fine at room temperature for a couple of hours, but if it’s a hot day, keep it chilled or nestled over a tray of ice. This helps preserve the dressing and keep the cheeses fresh (and everyone safe).

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a bowl of Classic Pasta Salad shared with good company. From its vibrant colors and flavors to the way it always disappears at gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Grab those ingredients, give it a toss, and watch smiles appear around your table—this dish truly never goes out of style!

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