What makes something a classic? See, I went back and forth naming this recipe, but since we grew up calling this classic Italian pasta salad, I just had to go with that. It felt right.
Plus, once you make it, I have no doubt you’ll not only agree it’s a classic, but that it’s a must for all the hot days ahead. I say this with mucho confidence; I’ve been eating this stuff for years and see no end in sight.
The logistics of a classic Italian pasta salad are pretty simple. Pick a small noodle, dress it up in a homemade Italian dressing (you can totally buy the store stuff if you’re not against it; for me it would be sacrilege), and toss in some salami, shard cheddar, and crispy crunchy veggies. SO simple! SO amazing!
I found these adorable little elk shaped noodles at IKEA and well, I just HAD to have them. Aren’t they just the cutest?
I like to use the same veggies my mom used when making this: red onion, green bell, red bell, a touch of parsley, and an extra crispy cucumber. That being said, I think the add-in options are endless! As I say with most of my salad recipes – make it your own!
Whenever I make this dish I always double the recipe, and I highly encourage you to do the same – especially if you plan on sharing! Because who can say no to scoop on top of scoop of zesty, tangy pasta salad? Exactly.
Happy Tuesday, guys! Hope it’s grand 🙂
Classic Italian Pasta Salad – Baker by Nature
Makes 4 large servings, or 8 tiny ones
Ingredients:
8 ounces dried pasta, cooked al dente
1 large red pepper, seeded and diced
1 large green pepper, seeded and diced
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1 small red onion, diced VERY small
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
(1) 8 oz stick of black pepper dry salami, cubed
5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
Instructions:
Cook pasta al dente, then drain and cool by running under cold water for a few minutes. Toss the cooked pasta with 1/2 of the dressing, then mix in salami, cheese, and vegetables. Stir in the rest of the dressing, and top with grated cheese if desired. Chill until needed.
Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing:
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions:
Combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the olive oil in a blender and pulse until smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Pour over pasta salad and toss well.
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says
No olives? That would be sacrilege in MY house, haha. The salami looks to diiie for though. Well done 🙂
cassie says
This is SO classic and I adore it. Love those little pastas!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
What a beautiful pasta salad.. Goes with so many things!!! Its perfect for the summer…
almost forgot to mention… how cute are those elk pasta.. =)
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
That pasta is so cute, and I love that you made your own dressing! This looks deliiiicious and perfect for summer!
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
I feel like I’ve wasted years of my life by not having cubes of cheese in pasta salads!
Kathryn says
That elk pasta is just the coolest thing ever!
Tieghan says
Classic pasta salad is always a winner! Plus I love those cute moose shaped pastas!
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Yum, this is my favorite kind of pasta salad! And i know my husband would love it. I think I may make it for dinner this week…to combat this disgustingly hot weather.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
My kind of salad and pasta at IKEA?? I never knew!
Cookin Canuck says
Nothing beats a classic pasta salad at a backyard barbecue. Those elk pasta are adorable!