Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Zesty Herb Dressing

If warm weather means outdoor meals for you, this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is likely to be on my table all season long. Bright, satisfying, and easy to make, this salad combines classic Italian flavors with tender rotini or fusilli pasta for a dish that works as a side for cookouts, a potluck contribution, or a ready-made lunch that keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

I like to prepare a big batch over the weekend and enjoy portions throughout the week. The combination of crisp bell pepper, briny olives, savory salami, fresh herbs, and soft mozzarella gives each bite contrast and depth, while the creamy Italian dressing ties everything together. The dressing is simple to blend and keeps well, and you can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Ingredients

• Homemade mayonnaise (or store-bought mayonnaise)
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• White wine vinegar
• Rotini or fusilli pasta
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Shallot, finely diced
• Black olives, sliced
• Hard, uncured salami, diced
• Fresh mozzarella, diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh basil, thinly sliced

Step-by-step

Step One: Make the Creamy Italian Dressing

In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or vinegar as needed—if you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more lemon juice or vinegar; for milder flavor, reduce the vinegar slightly. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad.

Step Two: Assemble the Salad

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced red bell pepper, finely diced shallot, sliced black olives, diced salami, diced fresh mozzarella, chopped parsley, and thinly sliced basil.

Pour the Creamy Italian Dressing over the salad and toss until every piece of pasta and every ingredient is well coated. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate until just chilled. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.

Tips, Make-Ahead, and Substitutions

Make the dressing up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep well, and having it ready makes assembling the salad quick. The assembled pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days, though the pasta will absorb some of the dressing over time. For the best texture, toss the pasta with the dressing the day you plan to serve, or reserve a little extra dressing to refresh the salad just before serving if it becomes dry.

If you don’t have time to make homemade mayonnaise, plain store-bought mayonnaise or Greek yogurt both work as alternatives. Using Greek yogurt will yield a tangier, lighter dressing. If using store-bought mayo, start with slightly less vinegar and adjust to taste so the dressing isn’t overly sharp.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or grilled vegetables. For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add chickpeas or marinated artichoke hearts for extra protein and texture. You can also swap mozzarella for feta for a tangier finish or add sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated sweetness. Fresh herbs are key—basil and parsley add brightness, but you can mix in oregano or chives for different flavor notes.

Nutrition and Yield

This recipe typically yields 8 to 10 servings and takes about 35 minutes total from start to finish, including cooking and cooling the pasta. Nutrition per serving is an approximation: about 485 kcal, 38 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein, and 31 g fat. Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.

FAQ

How long will the dressing last?

The Creamy Italian Dressing will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Shake or stir before using if separation occurs.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but for best texture, mix the dressing with the pasta and mix-ins on the day of serving. If you assemble in advance, expect the pasta to absorb more dressing; reserve extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving if needed.

Looking for more pasta salad ideas?

Try variations like Greek-style pasta salad, a Green Goddess version with herbs and avocado, smoky romesco pasta salad, or a grilled antipasto pasta salad for smoky charred flavors. Each variation follows the same basic technique: cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, a bold dressing, and flavorful mix-ins.

I hope you enjoy this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad at your next warm-weather gathering. It’s flexible, crowd-pleasing, and easy to customize—leave a note or comment when you try it and tell me which variation became your favorite!