recipe: our favorite pasta salad

A Family Favorite: Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad has been a staple in our family for years! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meals or gatherings. The boys absolutely love it, and I find myself reaching for it at lunchtime every day until the bowl is completely empty. It's a recipe that never gets old in our house, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too!

Why We Love It

• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.

• Versatile: It’s great as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a main meal with some added protein.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it ideal for meal prep or hosting.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This recipe is a breeze to customize based on your preferences! Below is how we like to make it, but feel free to adjust the amounts or ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients

(Exact amounts are suggested, but I usually eyeball it—it’s hard to go wrong!)

• 1 lb. tri-colored rotini pasta, uncooked

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 cup broccoli, cut into small florets

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

• 6 oz black olives, sliced

• 1 cup pepperoni slices, quartered

• 1 ½ cups Italian salad dressing (see notes below for tips)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and 1 tsp of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, according to package instructions.

   • Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This quick blanching keeps them vibrant and slightly tender.

   • Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and immediately run cold water over them to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

2. Prepare the Veggies & Meat

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped red bell pepper, sliced olives, and quartered pepperoni slices.

3. Assemble the Salad

   • Add the cooled pasta and broccoli to the bowl. Toss everything together gently to combine.

   • Pour in the Italian dressing and toss again until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Chill & Serve

   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors meld together.

   • Before serving, give it another stir and, if desired, add a splash of Italian dressing for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Notes

• Choosing the Dressing: Use your favorite bottled Italian dressing for convenience, or make your own for an extra fresh flavor boost! A zesty or robust Italian dressing works best.

• Customization Ideas: Feel free to swap or add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, or diced cucumbers.

• Meal Prep Win: This salad stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or snacks.

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, picnic, or potluck. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Let me know how you like it in the comments below!

Happy cooking! 🍴❤️