🍳DailyRecipes
Lunch

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This fresh and colorful pasta salad is a perfect side dish for any summer gathering.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 14, 2026
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
8

There is something so special about bringing everyone together over a big bowl of pasta salad. This recipe is a favorite because it is packed with crunchy vegetables, salty olives, and a zesty dressing that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

It is incredibly simple to throw together, and the flavors only get better after sitting in the fridge for a little while. I always recommend using a short pasta shape like fusilli or rotini so the dressing can really cling to every piece.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.

  2. 2

    Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

  3. 3

    Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the pasta.

  4. 4

    Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and sprinkle in the parmesan cheese.

  5. 5

    Toss everything together gently until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to your preference.

  6. 6

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, just add a splash more before serving to freshen it up.

#pasta salad#vegetarian#summer side#potluck#easy dinner

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like