The perfect recipe for summer is this zesty Italian pasta salad. Packed with flavor and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or lunches!

I am a huge pasta salad fan…especially when the heat of summer comes around. I usually make one on Sunday and use it as a side dish one night and as part of lunches throughout the week. This zest Italian pasta salad is so perfect for that or to take along to a picnic or potluck!

One of the things I love about this pasta salad recipe is that it is a substitute friendly. You can easily change up many of the ingredients, the pasta shape and even the dressing to make it your own. 

I use a homemade zesty Italian dressing but you can easily pick your favorite grocery store version! The homemade version is super simple though and just requires a few shakes in a mason jar once you put all the ingredients together.

I have used a bunch of different pasta shapes for this Italian pasta salad and usually just pick a pasta that is on sale. My kids perfer the penne and my husband likes the bowties. The campanelli shape just looks fun to me so I like it best. 

Once you gather all your ingredients and cook the pasta, just toss it all together in a big bowl and refrigerate. 

I love the little fresh mozzarella balls in this recipe. If you can’t find them at your local store, just pick up fresh mozzarella and cut it into pieces.

I mentioned how friendly this pasta salad recipe is for substitutions. Here are a few ideas on ways to change up the ingredients:

• Swap the pepperoni for salami
• Change the green olives with kalamata olives
• Replace the red onion with sauted vidalia onions
• Swap the artichokes with pickled banana peppers

If you like this recipe for Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, be sure to check out these other great pasta salad recipes:

• Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
• California Cobb Pasta Salad
• Summer Squash Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
• Greek Pasta Salad

If you try this Zesty Italian Salad recipe or any other recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter. 

Yield: 10 servings

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

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This zesty Italian pasta salad is always a crowd pleaser. Make it for your next picnic or potluck!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 18 minutes

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

• 1 lb pasta (i.e. bowties, campanelle, rotini, shells, or penne)
• 6 oz green olives, halved
• 2 cups mini mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 4 oz pepperoni, sliced and quartered
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers
• 1/4 cup quartered artichoke hearts
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta through red onion. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add 1 cup of Italian dressing to pasta mixture. Toss well to combine and coat all the ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 292Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 854mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g

Yield: 1 cup

Zesty Italian Dressing

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From salads to pasta salads, this zesty Italian dressing is the perfect dressing to give you dish a little zing.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp coconut sugar

Instructions

1. In a mason jar (or similar), combine all ingredients. Shake well until all ingredients are combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

• Remove from refrigerator approximately 5 minutes before ready to use.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 83Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 74mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g