This easy Italian pasta salad is loaded with fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect light and refreshing side dish for summer picnics, backyard BBQs, and meal prep! Plus, it’s so pretty!
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is Perfect for Summer!
I am so excited for warm-weather gatherings, beach days, pool days, and packing all the delicious salads, sandwiches, and picnic essentials. I live for picnics in the summertime and will find any excuse to pack one. We’re only about a month and a half into spring, and we’ve already been picnicking everywhere! I hope you’re ready for all the summery recipes coming your way this year.
I’m currently at the beach with my family celebrating my son’s third birthday. I won’t talk about that too much or I’ll start to cry—how is he three already?! Gosh!!
Before we headed out for our trip, I prepped some food to take along for our road trip and beach days. To go with our favorite chicken salad (served on homemade sourdough bread), I made one of my go-to Italian pasta salads! I’m so excited for you to try this easy recipe—it comes together in minutes and is perfect for a summer backyard party or as a fresh side dish at your dinner table. It’s sooooo good!
This salad is so quick to make, which is one of the reasons I love it. You only need a few simple ingredients. And yes, I cheat by using my FAVORITE Italian seasoning mix (I also use it to make the best slow cooker creamy Italian soup—it’s my secret weapon!), and it’s available at almost all grocery stores. It makes salad dressings soooo good! If you can’t find it at your store or prefer to go the homemade route, I’ve included a homemade version below. I’ve made it from scratch many times, and it’s super delicious!
WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO BELOW!
Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients:
- Bowtie pasta (or your favorite shape; gluten-free pasta works too! I LOVE this as an orzo version, too!)
- Cucumber – you can also mix in red onion, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Fresh mozzarella – works with fresh Parmesan as well.
- Pepperoni – salami, prosciutto, or any Italian meat make a great addition!
- Sun-dried tomatoes – mix in some banana peppers or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Fresh basil – any fresh Italian herbs like oregano or thyme also work great!
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Italian dressing seasoning mix – recipe to make your own at the bottom of the page.
The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Perfect for Summer!)
This delicious Italian pasta salad is tossed in Italian dressing and loaded with fresh mozzarella, crisp cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, and savory pepperoni—perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or meal prep!
- 1 Box Bowtie Pasta or any pasta of your choice; gluten-free if needed
- 2 Cups Chopped Cucumber
- 2 Cups Fresh Mozzarella, Diced
- 12 Ounces Pepperoni, Diced
- 1/2 Cup Jarred Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil, Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Organic is best
- 1 Packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing & Mix see post for homemade version
- Pinch Black Pepper
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, mozzarella, pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and the Italian dressing mix until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Season with a pinch of black pepper to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marinate.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If the salad dries out slightly in the fridge, simply drizzle with a bit of olive oil or extra dressing and toss before serving.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your bowtie pasta (or pasta of choice) according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Set everything aside for easy assembly.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil with the Italian dressing seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade). Stir well until the dressing is fully blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, pepperoni, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the Italian dressing over the top.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Gently toss the pasta salad until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Garnish with extra fresh basil or Parmesan if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
We’ve been enjoying this salad all trip long, and it packed perfectly for the beach yesterday. Even my toddler—who does not like pasta—had a few bites! He mostly snacked on all the cheese, pepperoni, and cucumbers, which is totally fine by me.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad for Summer:
- Quick & Easy – Comes together in just minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfect for Summer – Light, fresh, and ideal for warm-weather picnics, BBQs, and beach days.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or meats based on what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love snacking on the mozzarella, pepperoni, and crunchy cucumbers.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it great for make-ahead lunches or busy weeknights.
- Naturally Gluten-Free Option – Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
QUESTIONS FOR YOU:
1. Do you like to pack food for trips?
2. What is your favorite dish to bring to a backyard summer BBQ?
3. Would you rather bring a dessert or savory dish?
Italian Good Seasons Copycat Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sugar
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Welcome!
I’m Taralynn
Lifestyle & Food Blogger
Hi, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here. Simply Taralynn is my lifestyle blog where I share bits of everyday life as a mom, favorite recipes, travel guides, and more. I’ve been blogging for fifteen years!
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