If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and effortless charm, look no further than this Best Pasta Salad Recipe. Every bite is a celebration of fresh, tangy, and savory ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. From the chewy fusilli pasta to the creamy mozzarella balls and zesty dressing, this pasta salad is a delightful way to brighten up any meal or gathering. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly versatile, and truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Best Pasta Salad Recipe shines because of its simple yet crucial ingredients, each adding its own special touch. The combination of fresh veggies, rich cheeses, and a perfectly balanced dressing gives the salad depth, texture, and a colorful appeal that’s irresistible.
- Fusilli pasta (1 lb cooked): Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the dressing and capturing every bite full of flavor.
- Mozzarella balls (8 oz, halved): Creamy and mild, adding a luscious, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the other toppings.
- Salami (4 oz, quartered): Brings a savory, slightly spicy kick that elevates the overall taste profile perfectly.
- Artichoke hearts (1 cup, chopped): Adding a hint of earthy brightness and a satisfying chewiness.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursting with juiciness and a fresh pop of color to brighten the salad.
- Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced, pitted): Providing an irresistible briny contrast that balances the richness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): The base of the dressing, bringing smoothness and a fruity depth that unifies all components.
- Garlic clove (1, finely chopped): Adding a punch of aromatic intensity under the surface of the dressing.
- Red apple vinegar (2 tbsp): Lending a crisp, tangy brightness that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped): For a fresh, herbal note that lightens the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A blend of dried herbs that infuse the salad with classic Mediterranean flair.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (pinch): Just a hint of heat to make things interesting without overpowering.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to taste, rounding out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Best Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Star Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl where you’ll toss together the cooked fusilli pasta, halved mozzarella balls, quartered salami, chopped artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. This mix packs a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that form the heart of your pasta salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Tangy Dressing
Next, take a jar with a lid and add the extra-virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, red apple vinegar, freshly chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Shake the jar vigorously to blend all these ingredients into a smooth, aromatic dressing. This dressing is what brings everything to life by tying each component together with its bright, herbaceous, and garlicky notes.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the freshly made dressing over your pasta and assorted mix in the bowl. Gently toss everything until every piece is lightly coated, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. Be careful to toss softly to keep the ingredients intact and visually appealing.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marinate
For the best flavor, you can serve this pasta salad immediately, but waiting at least one hour in the refrigerator allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. This resting time enhances the tang and seasoning, making your Best Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Best Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few more crushed red pepper flakes on top right before serving. A little extra drizzle of olive oil can also add a glossy finish and extra richness that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is versatile enough to pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a crisp green salad. It also makes a lovely side for barbecues, picnics, or as a part of any casual dinner spread where light, flavorful dishes are welcomed.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in charming mason jars or colorful bowls for an inviting presentation. You can even stuff it inside hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a festive and fun twist that’s perfect for summer get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Pasta Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended as the vegetables and cheese tend to lose their texture and creaminess once thawed, impacting the salad’s delightful freshness.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let leftovers sit out for 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill and enhance the flavors without reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli is perfect for holding dressing, penne, rotini, or farfalle also work beautifully, just cook according to package instructions.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the salami and perhaps add extra veggies or beans to maintain protein and heartiness.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap mozzarella balls for a vegan cheese alternative or marinated tofu, and ensure the dressing ingredients fit your dietary preferences.
Can I substitute the red apple vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious tangy flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta salad from getting soggy?
Drain the cooked pasta well and toss it with a bit of olive oil right after cooking. Also, store the salad with dressing separately and add it just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Best Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a joy to make and share, blending fresh ingredients with a vibrant dressing that brightens every meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful, easy dish, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try and watch it become your treasured go-to pasta salad for every occasion!
Print
Best Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Best Pasta Salad featuring cooked fusilli pasta, fresh mozzarella balls, savory salami, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and black olives, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 lb cooked fusilli pasta
- 8 oz mozzarella balls, halved
- 4 oz salami, quartered
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp red apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked fusilli pasta, halved mozzarella balls, quartered salami pieces, chopped artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a jar with a secure lid, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, red apple vinegar, freshly chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are uniformly coated with the dressing. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant flavor or refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature based on preference.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the pasta salad at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- You can substitute salami with pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option (but the diet field will not be marked vegetarian since salami is included).
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Use any short pasta shape like rotini or penne if fusilli is unavailable.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
