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Delicious creamy Italian pasta salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

A comforting and delicious pasta salad with creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Italian herbs, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle) Cooks into every nook and cranny.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy bursts of sweetness.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Refreshing crunch.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped Soak in cold water for milder bite.
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced Briny contrast; swap with capers if preferred.
  • 1 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional) Adds savory depth; substitute grilled chicken for lean protein.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or diced fresh mozzarella Milky and soft.
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini or sweet bell pepper For tang or gentle sweetness.
Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise The creamy base (use Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt Adds tang and silkiness.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Brightens the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For richness.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Gentle garlic warmth.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Floral finish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
Preparing Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, chop red onion, and slice olives and pepperoncini.
Make Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Salad
  1. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
  2. Gently fold in tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, salami (or chicken), and mozzarella.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours or overnight.
  2. Before serving, toss again and add chopped basil or parsley.
  3. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Swap spinach with kale for a stronger green note, use gluten-free pasta to keep it GF, or turn it vegetarian by skipping the salami and doubling the mozzarella and olives.