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.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Mmmm love this colorful bowl of summeriness!
and hehehee how cute are those elk noodles?!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Those elk pasta! Squee! And I want like that entire bowl of pasta for dinner, on the real.
Judit + Corina @WineDineDaily says
What a beautiful pasta salad it is perfect for a summer picnic! Oh the pasta does look adorable 🙂
Cheers,
J+C
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
You have no idea how badly I want a bowl of this for lunch! And I need that log of salami too.
Dan from Platter Talk says
I will have THIS for dinner tonight, please ship – ASAP. Yum!! Great looking salad.
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says
A beautiful salad! I always add olives and tomatoes…I love that the add-ins can be endless. Classic indeed!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I loved the cubed cheese instead of the usual shredded. Pasta salad is perfect.. especially on these super hot days we’re having! Thanks!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
At one time in my life I would have veered straight away from this recipe because of the green pepper…I’m just not a fan. But one day I had it’s cousin the red pepper and was amazed that it was not just a different color but a different taste too and it’s opened the door to a lot of dishes I would once shy away from…like this Sounds so simple and classic and wonderful!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Now this is my kind of lunch! And I love that you made your own dressing.
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
Love those pasta shapes – so adorable!