Picnics and family gatherings call for a reliable pasta salad. This Italian pasta salad is cool, flavorful, and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for warm-weather meals.
Pasta salads are a staple for summer cookouts, picnic spreads, and potlucks. This version combines savory meats, tangy olives, and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing side that disappears fast.
The recipe is straightforward: boil pasta, chop a few ingredients, toss with Italian dressing, and chill. While the pasta cools and absorbs the dressing, you can finish other preparations or relax outdoors. It’s an easy dish that lets you spend more time enjoying the day and less time in the kitchen.
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Recipe Ingredients:
8 oz. pasta
15 oz. Italian salad dressing
5 oz. mushrooms
5 oz. green olives
5 oz. black olives
4 oz. pepperoni
1 cup cheddar & mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
Preparation Directions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cool water and drain thoroughly. Slice the olives and halve the pepperoni slices. Combine the pasta, sliced olives, pepperoni, mushrooms, and cheese in a large bowl. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
There are many pasta shapes and varieties to choose from. Use your favorite shape or mix partial packages together for a fun, varied salad. Kids especially enjoy the different shapes and textures.
Approximate Nutrition Information:
Servings per recipe: 8. Amount per serving (approx.): Calories 228; Fat 12 g; Cholesterol 74 mg; Sodium 705 mg; Carbohydrates 17 g; Protein 19 g.
Make it a Meal:
This pasta salad pairs well with grilled hamburgers for a classic cookout menu. It also complements grilled chicken, such as Tuscan-style preparations, for a heartier plate.
Recipe Variations:
Customize the salad to suit your tastes. Add diced onion and green pepper for extra crunch and color. Stir in diced ham for a meatier version, or swap the Italian dressing for your favorite vinaigrette or creamy dressing if you prefer. If you plan to bring this to a cookout, consider doubling the recipe — it’s likely to go quickly.
Pasta absorbs dressing over time, so if you prefer a moister salad, add an extra splash of dressing just before serving or after refrigerated chilling.
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