Easy Italian Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish for any sandwich, summer barbecue, or game day. Packed with serious flavor and zest!

My kids love this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. Probably because it’s loaded with some serious flavor! This pasta salad goes great with anything that is thrown on the grill. Love hamburgers? Then this is the perfect side. Need something for that grilled chicken? Then this is your answer! Pork barbecue sandwich on the menu tonight? Then serve it up with a side of this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. Yum!

Hey, I’m not dissing the boxed pasta salad. When I am in a pinch it’s my go to. However, try this recipe and you’ll realize that the few extra minutes it takes to shred the carrots and cut up the salami was worth it. The salami adds some serious zest and flavor that is definitely missing from the boxed one. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think.

Before we get to the ingredients used for this recipe, let’s get a quick lesson in salami. After all, without the salami it wouldn’t really be called Italian Pasta Salad. Would it?

A quick lesson about salami

Did you know that there are hundreds of different types of salami that can be found in every region of the world? Different variations are being created as we speak. That means there are so many you’ll never get to try them all in your lifetime!

However, before we start with some of the different variations let’s get to know what the true definition of the word means. Salami, simply put, refers to any type of salted meat. However, there are three components that distinguish different types of salami apart from one another. Ingredients, how the meat is cut and the way it is prepared.

Now that we know the basics let’s get familiar with some of the most popular salamis out there…

Three popular types of salami

Genoa Salami: Originated in the Genoa region of Italy. It’s probably one of the more well-known salamis. Genoa salami is rich in garlic, smooth in flavor with a clean finish. Find it on charcuterie boards, in antipasto and in pasta salads.

Sopressata: Originated in Italy but has become a well loved salami in the United States. There are two versions of sopressata: mild and spicy. Mild uses cracked black peppercorns whereas the spicy version opts for crushed Calabrian red pepper flakes giving the salami a much spicer flavor. Sopressata has a smooth texture and has a bold flavor.

Pepperoni: Although you’d probably guess that pepperoni originated in Italy, the birthplace of pepperoni is actually the United States. During the early 1900s, American butcher shops started producing and selling pepperoni. Fast forward, pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping accounting for 35% of all pizza orders. Pepperoni has a nice smoky, sweet, silky flavor.

What ingredients do I use in this Easy Italian Pasta Salad?

Cavatappi Curly Pasta: Because of its unique shape, dressing is scooped up and held onto. In addition it gives your pasta salad some personality. This type of pasta works well with chunky vegetables, cheese and dressings.

Hard Salami: Now that you are more versed in salamis, use the salami you like best. For this recipe, I used Genoa but sopressata or pepperoni will work nicely too!

Grape tomatoes: Adds a nice, vibrant color to this recipe and a delicious, sweet flavor.

Shredded Carrots: Adds color, texture and crunch.

Mozzarella Balls: Provides creaminess and mild flavor.

Zesty Italian Dressing: It’s rich and zesty and brings all the ingredients together.

What main do I serve with Italian Pasta Salad?

Eat this as a main too. It’s so hearty! However, it’s a perfect side to hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken or any type of grilled meat. Add it to any sandwich too. It goes pretty much with any and everything.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of the great things about pasta sides. Make it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before serving add a little more dressing and stir it up before serving.

How long with the pasta salad last?

Pasta salad will last about 3-5 days if refrigerated and stored in an airtight container.

Easy Italian Pasta Salad-Ingredients

• 8 oz cavatappi pasta
• 8 oz grape tomatoes
• 8 oz mozzarella balls
• 1.5 cups shredded carrots
• 4 oz hard salami (Genoa salami)
• 1 bottle zesty Italian dressing

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions. 
• While the pasta is cooking cut salami into cubes and shred the carrots. 
• Once pasta is done, strain and run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking. Strain well and add pasta to a large serving bowl. 
• Add grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, shredded carrots, and salami. 
• Shake dressing well and pour it over the top, a little at a time. Toss salad to fully coat. Add salt and pepper if desired.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. 
• Enjoy!

For other sides try:

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins

Easy Summer Corn Caprese Salad

Fresh and Crisp Corn Salad

Panzanella (Bread Salad)

Three Bean Salad

Tomato and Cucumber Salad