Italian Pasta Salad with Salami

The sun was beating down on our Brooklyn fire escape, and I knew our usual lunch routine needed a serious refresh. That’s when I pulled together this vibrant, crave-worthy Italian pasta salad with salami, a dish that’s become our go-to for beating the summer heat with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration in a bowl, a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh. This isn’t just another cold pasta salad; it’s a reliable, flavor-packed side that can anchor a picnic, feed a crowd at a barbecue, or simply make your Tuesday lunch feel special. I built this Italian pasta salad with salami to be endlessly adaptable, forgiving, and deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food, made easy, with ingredients that sing together. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Let’s make a batch of food that feels like home.

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Ingredients List for Italian Pasta Salad with Salami

This Italian pasta salad with salami comes together with simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of flavor. The magic is in the balance of salty, creamy, and crisp textures. Here’s what you’ll need to create this best pasta salad.

For the Salad:

• 1 pound short pasta, like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
• 8 ounces hard salami, diced (Genoa salami works wonderfully)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium English cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) or one large ball, cubed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

For the Italian Dressing:

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty depth.
• Protein: Swap the salami for grilled chicken to make a hearty chicken pasta salad. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or white beans.
• Cheese: Skip the fresh mozzarella for a dairy-light version, or use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
• Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, pepperoncini, or roasted red peppers. This is your canvas.

Timing for Your Italian Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this cold pasta salad is how the timeline works in your favor. You can make it ahead, and it only gets better.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus optional chilling)
• Pro Tip: Making this Italian pasta salad with salami a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to marry beautifully, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish. It’s about 50% faster than many casseroles because there’s no baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious result every time. The key is in the dressing and the resting time.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente—it should have a slight bite. This is crucial for a pasta salad with Italian dressing, as soft pasta will turn mushy. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Let it drain well.
2. Make the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Start with the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings, then slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. This homemade dressing is what elevates this from a good pasta salad to the best pasta salad.
3. Combine the Salad: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, artichoke hearts, olives, and mozzarella pearls.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything until evenly coated. Add the remaining dressing if you prefer a saucier salad. Fold in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
5. Rest and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the Italian pasta salad with salami chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the pasta to soak up all the glorious flavors. Give it one final gentle toss, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and serve.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Italian pasta salad with salami is a balanced mix of energy and nutrients. Please note, this is an estimate.

• Calories: ~450 per serving (serves 8)
• Protein: 18g (Thanks to the salami, cheese, and pasta)
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 25g (Primarily from the olive oil, salami, and cheese—the good kinds of fats that carry flavor)
• Key Notes: The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins like Vitamin C from the tomatoes. Using whole wheat pasta would increase the fiber content further.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this Italian pasta salad with salami. Just a few basics from a regular kitchen.

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Very large mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need)
• Small bowl or jar with a lid for making the dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad with Salami

This recipe has earned its spot in my regular rotation for so many reasons. Here’s why it will become a staple in yours, too.

• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dish: It tastes better the longer it sits, making it perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or busy weeks.
• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: This recipe scales up beautifully for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Endlessly Customizable: Don’t have artichokes? Use roasted peppers. Want more protein? Add chickpeas. It’s a forgiving formula.
• Balanced and Satisfying: With carbs, protein, fat, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in one bowl or a stellar side dish.
• Simple Ingredients, Warm Memories: It captures the spirit of a classic deli pasta salad but tastes fresher and more vibrant, made with love at home.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up this Italian pasta salad with salami? Here are some easy, flavor-first swaps that work beautifully.

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or chickpea pasta are great options.
• Dairy-Free/Light: Omit the fresh mozzarella and Parmesan, or use high-quality vegan alternatives. The salad will still be delicious from the salami and dressing.
• Lower-Carb: Swap half the pasta for chopped cauliflower florets or use a legume-based pasta like chickpea or lentil rotini, which is higher in protein and fiber.
• Higher-Protein: Increase the salami, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, or turn it into a chicken pasta salad by using diced grilled chicken breast instead of salami.
• Lighter Dressing: Reduce the olive oil to 1/2 cup and add a tablespoon of water. The flavor will still be bright and tangy.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Italian pasta salad with salami shines in so many settings. Here’s how to serve it.

• As a Main Course: Serve generous scoops over a bed of greens for a hearty lunch. It pairs wonderfully with a simple soup for dinner.
• The Perfect Side Dish: It’s the ideal companion to grilled meats like burgers, sausages, or Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad. For a full Italian feast, serve it alongside a warm, comforting dish like my Cheesy Baked Ziti.
• For Gatherings: Present it in a large, beautiful bowl alongside other make-ahead sides like my Greek Orzo Salad or appetizers like Mini Caprese Skewers.
• Add Fresh Toppings: Right before serving, add extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a few extra cracks of black pepper for a bright finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can change the texture of your cold pasta salad. Here’s how to avoid them.

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta is the enemy of a good pasta salad. Cook it just to al dente and rinse it with cool water to halt the cooking process immediately.
2. Skipping the Salt in the Pasta Water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. The water should taste like the sea.
3. Adding Dressing to Hot Pasta: If you dress hot pasta, it will drink up all the dressing and become dry. Always let your pasta cool completely first.
4. Not Letting it Rest: Patience is key. That hour in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing properly. This step transforms it from mixed ingredients into the best pasta salad.
5. Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan: The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make the dressing gritty. Take the extra minute to grate a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The flavor is incomparable.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Italian pasta salad with salami is a champion when it comes to leftovers and storage.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making day-two and day-three salads exceptional.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh vegetables and pasta will become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the pasta, make the dressing, and chop all the vegetables and salami up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge, then combine and dress an hour before you plan to serve. This keeps everything crisp.
• Reviving Leftovers: If the salad seems a bit dry after a couple of days, a quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will bring it right back to life. Give it a gentle toss before serving.

Conclusion

This Italian pasta salad with salami is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable friend for busy weeks, sunny days, and hungry crowds. It embodies everything I love about home cooking: big flavor, simple processes, and the joy of sharing something delicious. Whether you stick to the script or make it your own with different veggies and proteins, you’re creating a dish that’s both comforting and celebratory. I hope it brings as much ease and delight to your table as it does to mine. If you’re looking for other simple, satisfying pasta salads, try my classic Tuna Pasta Salad with Peas for another quick lunch option. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know how your Italian pasta salad with salami turned out in the comments, and don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking.

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