This Pasta Salad with Salami is a vibrant mix of colors and flavors, brought to life by tri-color rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish. With every bite packed with salami, cheese, and olives, everyone will be back for more.

Why You Will Love Making Pasta Salad with Salami

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy and flexible. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to it:

Quick: With simple prep and straightforward instructions, you can whip this salad up in 15 minutes.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better after the flavors have melded together in the fridge overnight.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a barbecue, or a special event, this pasta salad fits right in.
Healthier Option: Packed with fresh veggies and tossed in Italian dressing, it’s a guilt-free dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Loved by All: From kids to adults, everyone loves the colorful and tasty combination of this classic pasta salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

Various labeled ingredients for a Pasta Salad with Salami, including cucumber, olives, cheese, tomatoes, onion, seasoning, and dressing, arranged around uncooked spiral pasta. — Summer Pasta Salad Ingredients. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to Make Summer Pasta Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Getting this pasta salad just right is easy if you follow these simple steps. Here’s how to bring this tasty, refreshing dish to life:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.

A glass bowl of cooked fusilli pasta topped with orange sauce, on a marble surface with a small bowl of black olives and slices of salami to the side. — Cook the tri-color rotini pasta and add the salad supreme seasoning.

Prep the Veggies and Salami

While the pasta cools, take this time to prep the rest of your ingredients. Dice the cucumber and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. If your salami isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into thin slices or strips.

Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, Colby cheese, and salami. Sprinkle your desired amount of salad supreme seasoning for an extra flavor kick.

Dress It Up

Pour over the Olive Garden signature Italian dressing (or your dressing of choice). Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Best Ever Summer Pasta Salad

Author: Mandy Applegate

This Best Ever Summer Pasta Salad is going viral on Tik Tok and for good reason! Tri-colored pasta mixes with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, cheese and salami before getting tossed with a special seasoning and Italian dressing. The combination makes the best pasta salad that everyone will be making all summer long.,

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Chill Time: 1

Total Time: 1 25

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: pasta salad with salami

Servings:

Calories: 554kcal

Ingredients

16 ounces box Tri-Color Rotini Pasta
1 English cucumber
10 ounces container cherry tomatoes
½ red onion
2.25 ounces can sliced black olives drained
8 ounces Colby cheese cubed `
6 ounces salami sliced
1 tablespoon salad supreme seasoning
16 ounces Olive Garden signature Italian dressing

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it thoroughly and allow it to cool completely.
16 ounces box Tri-Color Rotini Pasta
Dice the cucumber and onion into small cubes. Slice the tomatoes into halves.
1 English cucumber, 10 ounces container cherry tomatoes, ½ red onion
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced onion, olives, cheese, sliced salami, desired seasoning (such as salt, pepper, and Italian herbs), and your favorite dressing.
2.25 ounces can sliced black olives, 8 ounces Colby cheese, 6 ounces salami, 1 tablespoon salad supreme seasoning, 16 ounces Olive Garden signature Italian dressing
Gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or additional cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing pasta salad!

Notes

Pasta: Although tri-color rotini is suggested for its visual appeal and ability to catch the dressing, feel free to use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or cavatappi.

Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in additional veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to boost the flavor and texture.

Protein: If salami isn’t your favorite, try using diced pepperoni, cooked chicken breast, or shrimp for a different twist. Keep it meat-free by using grilled tofu.

Cheese: Swap out Colby cheese for mozzarella balls or freshly grated Parmesan for a more Italian flair.

Boosting Flavor: Enhance the taste by adding a splash of red wine vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Making It Healthier: For a lighter version, opt for a reduced-fat Italian dressing or simply use extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions are a concern. Just make sure to cook it al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.

Storage Instructions

Cool and Airtight: Make sure the pasta salad is completely cooled before you store it, and then transfer it to an airtight container.

Fridge: Keep the pasta salad in the refrigerator. It typically lasts well for up to 3 days.

Mix Before Serving: If the dressing has settled at the bottom of the pasta, give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some insider tips and tweaks to help you make the most out of your Italian pasta salad:

Pasta: Although tri-color rotini is suggested for its visual appeal and ability to catch the dressing, feel free to use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or cavatappi.
Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in additional veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to boost the flavor and texture.
Protein: If salami isn’t your favorite, try using diced pepperoni, cooked chicken breast, or shrimp for a different twist. Keep it meat-free by using grilled tofu.
Cheese: Swap out Colby cheese for mozzarella balls or freshly grated Parmesan for a more Italian flair.
Boosting Flavor: Enhance the taste by adding a splash of red wine vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Making It Healthier: For a lighter version, opt for a reduced-fat Italian dressing or simply use extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions are a concern. Just make sure to cook it al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.

How to Store Leftover Italian Pasta Salad

Storing your pasta salad correctly ensures it stays fresh and tasty for every bite. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

Cool and Airtight: Make sure the pasta salad is completely cooled before you store it, and then transfer it to an airtight container.
Fridge: Keep the pasta salad in the refrigerator. It typically lasts well for up to 3 days.
Mix Before Serving: If the dressing has settled at the bottom of the pasta, give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Making a delicious pasta salad doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three tips to keep both your belly and wallet full:

Seasonal Vegetables: Use vegetables that are in season for lower prices and better flavors.
Cheese Blocks: Buy blocks of cheese and cube them yourself instead of buying pre-cubed cheese, which is usually more expensive.
Make Your Own Dressing: Whisk together some olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for a homemade dressing that’s cheaper and fresher.

What to Serve with Pasta Salad

Here are some perfect companions to pair with pasta salad with salami:

Main Dishes

A hearty pasta salad complements many main dishes beautifully. Try serving it beside grilled chicken, pulled pork sliders, or oven-baked ribs. The refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors of the salad provide a great balance to these protein-rich foods.

Other Salads

For a lighter meal, pair this pasta salad with other types of salads like a fresh green salad, a fruit salad, or a Greek salad. This variety not only makes the meal more interesting but also allows you to enjoy a range of flavors and textures. And while this is another heavier salad, don’t forget the German Potato Salad.

Drinks

For drinks, keep things light and refreshing. Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon are all fantastic choices that cleanse the palate and keep you ready for the next delicious bite.

Best Italian Pasta Salad With Salami Recipe