How to Make a Delicious Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that combines the best of cold pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressing. If you're looking for ways to use up leftover pasta or simply want a light summer meal, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

This Italian pasta salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a healthy and satisfying meal option. The key ingredients include cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber slices, red onion, olives, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. With just 35 minutes of preparation time and enough servings for four people, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 grams) cooked pasta - such as fusilli or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tahini
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Paprika for garnishing

Preparation Steps

To start your delicious Italian pasta salad, you’ll want to cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool. While the pasta is cooling off, prepare all other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber slices, red onions, and olives.

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, chopped green onions, and pitted kalamata olives (if using).
Mix in 2 tablespoons of tahini for creaminess and zest and juice from one lemon for brightness. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
Finally, garnish the pasta salad with a sprinkle of paprika before serving immediately or storing it in an airtight container if you prefer having it ready for later use.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

Cook your pasta al dente: For pasta that holds up well and maintains its texture during the salad, ensure it's cooked "al dente," which means "to the tooth" in Italian. This way, your pasta will be firm yet still soft enough to bite into easily.
Add some crunch with vegetables: To give extra zest to your dish, consider adding other crunchy vegetables like celery, zucchini, or even cooked beans if you’re looking for more variety and protein content.
Mix in herbs at the end: Adding fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or mint right before serving ensures they stay crisp and vibrant. This adds another layer of freshness to your pasta salad.

This Italian pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be adapted based on personal preferences and available ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different types of pastas like whole wheat spaghetti, bow-tie shapes (farfalle), or even spiral cuts (spirali) for additional variety in texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

If you’re not planning to eat all the pasta salad at once, store it properly. Place the prepared salad into an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of preparation.
To prevent the pasta from getting soggy, mix in only half of your dressing initially; then add more if needed after chilling. This keeps the pasta firm and the vegetables crisp.

Healthy Alternatives and Substitutions

If you're looking for healthier versions or alternatives to this Italian pasta salad:

Use whole grain pasta: Opt for a variety of whole wheat or whole grain pastas which are richer in fiber.
Add more greens: Incorporate spinach, arugula, or baby kale for additional nutrients and color.
Vary the dressing: Experiment with different dressings like olive oil and lemon juice instead of tahini. Or consider adding some balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a lighter option.

This versatile Italian pasta salad can easily be tailored to suit any dietary needs or preferences, making it an excellent choice for various occasions throughout the year.

Serving Suggestions

Dinner: Serve alongside some garlic bread and a side of fresh salads.
Lunch: Pack this salad into individual containers and enjoy as part of your lunchbox.
Snack: It also makes for a great on-the-go snack when paired with a piece of fruit or a slice of cheese.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, taking about 35 minutes to prepare. With its versatility in flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit among family members and guests alike.