Chilled
20 Min
Easy
8 Sides

The Crowd-Favorite Classic

This isn’t your average deli-counter side dish. The secret to a superior Italian Pasta Salad is using Rotini—the spirals are engineered to trap the vinaigrette in every nook. We layer in sharp pepperoni, creamy mozzarella pearls, and briny olives to create a flavor profile that only gets better as it sits. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep.

The ingredient

The Pasta & Mix-ins

  • Rotini or Fusilli1 lb
  • Mozzarella Pearls8 oz
  • Sliced Pepperoni4 oz
  • Cherry Tomatoes1 Cup
  • Black Olives & Peppers1/2 Cup

The Vinaigrette

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/2 Cup
  • Red Wine Vinegar1/4 Cup
  • Dried Oregano & Basil1 tsp each
  • Parmesan (Grated)1/4 Cup

The instruction

Step 01

Al Dente Perfection: Boil the pasta in heavily salted water until just tender (about 1 minute less than the box directions). Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.

Step 02

The Dressing: In a mason jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, dried herbs, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the grated Parmesan. Shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.

Step 03

The Toss: In a massive bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella pearls, pepperoni, halved tomatoes, olives, and diced bell peppers. Pour the dressing over the top while the pasta is still slightly damp—it helps the sauce stick!

Step 04

Marinate & Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, give it one final toss and add a handful of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Vegetarian Option Make-Ahead Kid-Friendly