Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Name: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces pasta of your choice; 8 ounces salami, chopped; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls; 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped; 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced; 1/2 cup pitted olives, halved; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

A flavor packed pasta salad featuring a homemade red wine vinaigrette and fresh mix ins.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 14, 2026

dailyrecipesbook.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

10 minutes

Total

25 minutes

Serves

I have made countless pasta salads over the years, but this recipe is truly my favorite. It uses a zesty pepperoncini red wine vinaigrette that makes every bite taste bright and delicious rather than just using a store bought dressing.

You will love the combination of salami, mozzarella balls, olives, and fresh basil. It is perfect for potlucks because the flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. I like using high protein pasta to make it a more filling meal.

Ingredients

16 ounces pasta of your choice
8 ounces salami, chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente.
2
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, olives, tomatoes, and red onion.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything well to coat.
6
Gently fold in the fresh basil just before serving.
7
Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour so the flavors can mingle.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a small splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before serving again.

#pasta salad #potluck #easy dinner #summer salad #italian food

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