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This Italian pasta salad features al dente fusilli tossed with a colorful mix of crisp bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, creamy avocado, tangy red onion, and fresh mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
It’s incredibly healthy too, thanks to the abundance of fresh vegetables and heart-healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, plus it’s free from heavy dressings and processed ingredients.
Rather than using mayo, this pasta salad gets its bold, bright flavor from an Italian homemade vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a touch of garlic.
This Italian pasta salad recipe is very easy to make and serves approximately 10 people. It’s a perfect choice for summer gatherings, BBQs, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner.
This Mediterranean salad stores wonderfully in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option. In fact, the flavors deepen over time, so it’s often even more delicious the next day.
Another reason this Italian pasta salad is always a crowd favorite? It’s endlessly customizable. Don’t like olives? Skip them. Want more protein? Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna.
✅ Take a moment to read through the whole post first; you’ll pick up expert tips, handy equipment guides, and step-by-step details to help everything turn out perfectly. The full recipe is right below!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for making this Italian pasta salad:
1. Fusilli or Rotini Pasta
- The spiraled shape of fusilli or rotini pasta is perfect for holding the dressing and other ingredients within its grooves, ensuring each bite is flavorful and well-balanced.
- Choosing tri-color varieties adds a pop of color and makes the salad even more visually appealing.
2. Bell Peppers
- Red and green bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch and a natural sweetness.
- Their bright colors also make the dish visually vibrant and inviting, balancing out the creamy and briny components.
3. Olives
- Black olives add a bold, briny depth that evokes classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Their saltiness contrasts beautifully with the other fresh ingredients, adding complexity to each bite.
4. Red Onion
- Red onion brings a sharp bite and crisp texture.
- It adds a bit of heat and aromatic lift to the salad, offering a counterpoint to the richer ingredients like mozzarella pearls and avocado.
5. Mozzarella Pearls
- Mozzarella pearls or diced bocconcini add a soft, mild, and slightly chewy richness to the salad.
- They add a subtle flavor and absorb the Italian dressing beautifully.
- You can leave them out or swap with feta or shaved Parmesan for a different twist.
6. Avocado
- Avocado adds velvety texture and healthy fats, making the salad feel more luxurious and satisfying.
- Its creamy nature also acts as a natural binder for the other ingredients.
7. Cherry Tomatoes
- These bite-sized tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness, balancing the salty and tangy components.
- Their natural acidity keeps the salad fresh and light, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- You can also use grape tomatoes.
8. Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley brings a clean, grassy note, while basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Together, they provide brightness and a pop of herbaceous flavor that screams summer and Italian cuisine.
9. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- As the backbone of the dressing, it brings richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
- It’s fruity, peppery notes complement the herbs and veggies beautifully.
10. Red Wine Vinegar
- This adds brightness and acidity that helps cut through the richness of the cheeses and avocado.
- It also balances the olive oil for a well-rounded vinaigrette.
11. Garlic
- Minced garlic delivers bold, savory depth and aromatic punch.
- It anchors the dressing with classic Italian flavor.
12. Dijon Mustard
- Dijon acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the dressing stay blended.
- It also contributes a subtle tang that layers nicely with the vinegar.
13. Dried Oregano
- A staple of Italian seasoning, oregano gives the dressing an earthy, slightly bitter edge that contrasts with sweet ingredients like tomatoes and peppers.
14. Red Pepper Flakes
- These flakes add a gentle heat that lifts the dressing without overpowering it.
- They give the salad a lively kick that awakens the palate.
15. Salt & Black Pepper
- These essential seasonings enhance and unify all the flavors, bringing balance and making each ingredient taste its best.
Equipment for Making This Easy Pasta Salad
Preparing this easy Italian pasta salad requires only standard kitchen tools, making it accessible to most home cooks:
- Large Pot (5.5-Quart or larger): Necessary for boiling the pasta.
- Colander: Essential for efficiently draining the pasta after cooking and rinsing.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for combining and tossing the cooked pasta with all the salad ingredients.
- Whisk or Jar with Lid: For preparing and thoroughly emulsifying the vinaigrette dressing.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable and sanitary surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
