The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Perfect for Summer!)
Taralynn
This delicious Italian pasta salad is tossed in Italian dressing and loaded with fresh mozzarella, crisp cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, and savory pepperoni—perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or meal prep!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Course lunch, dinner, appetizer, side dish
Cuisine Italian
1 Box Bowtie Pasta or any pasta of your choice; gluten-free if needed 2 Cups Chopped Cucumber 2 Cups Fresh Mozzarella, Diced 12 Ounces Pepperoni, Diced 1/2 Cup Jarred Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil, Chopped 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Organic is best 1 Packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing & Mix see post for homemade version Pinch Black Pepper
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, mozzarella, pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and the Italian dressing mix until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marinate.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days .
If the salad dries out slightly in the fridge, simply drizzle with a bit of olive oil or extra dressing and toss before serving.
Keyword pasta salad, italian recipe, summer salad, italian pasta salad, potluck, recipes for parties