Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This is the best zesty Italian pasta salad you will eat. It is packed full of delicious bites, including olives, salami, tomatoes and artichokes. Perfect for game day parties and summer potlucks!

Original post: June 2017 | Updated: April 2023

Why This Recipe Works

• This is such an easy recipe as well as the best pasta salad in the world.
• It is one of my favorite recipes. It is a go-to dish that I bring to potlucks and parties literally any time of the year.
• This flavorful pasta salad contains a few unique ingredients that make it stand above the rest (spoiler: zesty Italian dressing).
• It is the perfect dish for your next gathering or served as a side dish for any meal.
• No matter where and when it is served, this easy pasta salad is always a big hit and everyone will ask you for this recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

Zesty Italian salad dressing – The zesty dressing is the star of the show, so don’t skimp! Also, be careful if using replacements as it can alter the flavor of the dish.
Rotelle pasta – Any bite-size type of pasta will work in this recipe. Bow tie, rotini pasta, large macaroni or shells all work great.
Yellow onion – Replace yellow with red onion for an added zing.
Celery – Omit the celery desired and replace with other crunch fresh vegetables such as fresh cucumbers, red bell pepper or green bell pepper.
Cojack cheese – Replace cojack cheese with any other variety. Muenster, fresh mozzarella balls, cheddar, provolone or feta cheese are great options.
Summer sausage – Sliced pepperoni or hard salami can replace the sausage, if desired.
Artichoke hearts – Purchase canned, quartered artichoke hearts packed in water. Chop if desired.
Black olives – Green olives or kalimata olives can easily be swapped out for black.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Julienned sun dried tomatoes packed in oil taste best. Chop into bite size pieces before adding to the salad. Halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitution.
Red pepper flakes – Turn the heat up even more by adding cayenne pepper, chopped banana peppers, extra black pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Using grated parmesan cheese is an easy way to infuse flavor into the dish.

How To Make Zesty Pasta Salad

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, until al dente. Rinse in cold water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients minus the cooked pasta.

Add the pasta last to keep it from breaking apart when you stir it. Store covered in the refrigerator overnight!

Recipe Notes

• Use GF pasta for a gluten free salad!
• Allowing the ingredients to marinate in the fridge overnight is ideal. When you pull the cold pasta salad out of the fridge the next day, the flavors will be perfect. Drizzle olive oil over the top just before serving.
• Replace sausage with chunks of cooked chicken or even steak.
• If you are feeling adventurous and would like to branch out from this recipe, consider adding other veggies. Great options include fresh tomatoes, fresh broccoli florets, cucumbers, carrots, green beans or bell peppers.
• Consider adding fresh herbs to the mix! Fresh parsley, chives or basil all taste great.
• Make your own homemade Italian dressing!

How Long Does Pasta Salad Last

Most pasta salad recipes will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Pasta Salad

This pasta salad freezes well since it does not contain cream. Salads that contain mayo are not ideal for freezing. Cream-based ingredients such as mayo will not separate entirely after being removed from the freezer and may have an undesirable texture.

Place in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

What Goes With Pasta Salad

One of the great things about pasta salad is that it tastes great alongside so many other dishes! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Grilled chicken
• Burgers
• Garlic bread
• Fresh veggies
• Fresh fruit salad
• Sandwiches
• Baked Beans
• Coleslaw

Pasta Salad Recipes for a Crowd

• This Caprese salad is a huge hit at parties! Serve this delicious dish as a side, salad or appetizer. The combination of tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and basil is absolute perfection! Everyone loves this salad.
• Taco Ranch is one of my favorite pasta salads of all time, with wonderful zingy flavors of a taco dinner is great for potlucks and summer BBQs!
• Spruce up your next pasta salad by making this tangy Asian Pasta Salad! Packed with an irresistible sweet and salty flavor and tons of colorful, crunchy vegetables.
• If you are a pickle lover, this Dill Pickle version is for you! It is creamy, flavorful and crunchy all in a single bite. This is a great option for summer gatherings and potlucks.
• This Italian Salad is a delicious cold salad that does not lack in flavor! Packed with pasta, crisp veggies, fresh mozzarella, black olives and salami.
• Easy Classic Macaroni Salad is creamy, crunchy, filling and totally delicious! You have hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery and dill pickles chopped up and mixed in.
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad – Fill your fork with an incredibly tasty salad that combines pasta with fresh, crisp vegetables and a light vinaigrette straight from the Mediterranean!