Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

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Nothing says summer like a bowl brimming with vibrant Italian Pasta Salad. This recipe is packed with spiral rotini pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and a zippy homemade dressing that ties it all together. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner that keeps well in the fridge.

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The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Every bite delivers a balance of tangy, creamy, crunchy, and herby flavors, thanks to the thoughtfully combined ingredients and the dressing that brings them to life. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as a light main, it’s guaranteed to vanish fast!

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this salad, rotini or fusilli pasta works wonders because the spirals hold onto the dressing and little herb bits perfectly. You can also experiment with penne or farfalle, but avoid delicate pastas that break easily.

Ingredients for the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

  • Olive Oil: Forms the silky base of the dressing, giving richness and smoothness.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Adds the sharp tang that cuts through the creamy mozzarella and pasta.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings that unmistakable Italian punch.
  • Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and gives it a mild heat.
  • Honey: Balances out the acidity and rounds off the flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: A dried herb mix that infuses every bite with Mediterranean flair.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for lifting and balancing all the flavors.

How To Make the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onions thin, and chop the fresh basil. If using mozzarella pearls, drain them and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, veggies, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over and toss well so everything is coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

How to Serve and Store Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

Serve this salad cold, straight from the fridge, garnished with extra basil or grated Parmesan if desired. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or even as a light vegetarian main. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a good toss before serving again to refresh the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store the salad?

Up to 4 days in the fridge. It may need a drizzle of olive oil when serving leftovers.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same steps.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas are great additions to boost protein.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What other cheeses work?

Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan are delicious swaps for mozzarella.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this Italian Pasta Salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add chicken or keep it vegetarian? Did you play with the dressing flavors?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more daily recipes, visit my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate: https://www.pinterest.com/Americanrecipesbyheart/

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Italian Pasta Salad Dressing

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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
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Description

A refreshing and colorful pasta salad packed with rotini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course.

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup mozzarella pearls

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Combine tomatoes, red onion, basil, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour dressing over pasta and veggies, tossing well.
  5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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