In this post I’ll be sharing a delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.

Need a great recipe for a potluck or family meal? Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect and easy recipe. This salad is best served chilled or room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dish. Just give a quick stir before serving.

The combination of flavors in this salad are truly wonderful. The cooked pancetta gives a nice salty bite with the pasta, veggies and mozzarella dressed in a flavorful dressing.

This is a chilled salad recipe so it is perfect to make ahead if needed.

Ingredients

1 lb Farfalle Pasta (Bow-Tie) , cooked according to directions
4 oz Diced Pancetta
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 Purple Onion, diced
8 oz Mozzarella Pearls (small mozzarella balls)
6 oz Black Olives, rinsed & drained
1/2 Sliced Pepperocini, drained
1 c Grape Tomatoes
1 c Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
1/4 c Grated Parmesan Cheese

Diced green pepper, red onion, and pancetta in a skillet for an Italian Pasta Salad

Cook pasta according to manufacturer directions. My general rule with pasta is to salt the cooking water, bring to a boil, add pasta and cook for 10 minutes. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.

In a small skillet over medium heat, add diced pancetta and cook until it begins to brown.

Add green peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté with the pancetta until the vegetables begin to soften, 6-7 minutes.

Cherry tomatoes, black olives, pepperocini and small mozzarella balls for a pasta salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, pancetta, onions and peppers along with salad dressing. Mix to combine.

Add shredded Parmesan, mozzarella pearls, pepperocini slices, black olives and tomatoes to the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine everything.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

White platter with handles filled with an Italian Pasta Salad side dish recipe

Cook’s Note: There is no need to add additional seasonings.

Try it with grilled chicken to make it a meal.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad in a white serving platter

4 from 11 votes

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Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

A delicious Italian Pasta Salad recipe is a wonderful side dish and great for sharing at potlucks and gatherings.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Servings: Pasta Side Dish

Calories: 184kcal

Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern

Ingredients

1 lb. Farfalle Pasta Bow-Tie , cooked according to directions
4 oz. Diced Pancetta
1 Green Bell Pepper diced
1 Purple Onion diced
8 oz. Mozzarella Pearls small mozzarella balls
6 oz. Black Olives rinsed & drained
1/2 Sliced Pepperocini drained
1 c Grape Tomatoes
1 c Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
1/4 c Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta according to manufacturer directions. My general rule with pasta is to salt the cooking water, bring to a boil, add pasta and cook for 10 minutes. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
In a small skillet over medium heat, add diced pancetta and cook until it begins to brown.
Add green peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté with the pancetta until the vegetables begin to soften, 6-7 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, pancetta, onions and peppers along with salad dressing. Mix to combine.
Add shredded Parmesan, mozzarella pearls, pepperocini slices, black olives and tomatoes to the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine everything.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

See it at:
Featured at Meal Plan Monday #57
Full Plate Thursday
Weekend Potluck

Julia - author and publisher of Julia's Simply Southern Food Blog Recipes

About Julia

Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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