Loaded Italian Pasta Salad
This Loaded Italian Pasta Salad is a bold, satisfying classic—tender pasta tossed with zesty Italian dressing, juicy tomatoes, crunchy veggies, olives, fresh mozzarella, and a savory protein boost. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a complete no-fuss dinner. Mild, non-spicy, and incredibly crowd-pleasing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Pasta
400 g short pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne)
Salt for boiling water
Loaded Mix-ins
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
½ cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced
1½ cups fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed)
¾ cup cooked chickpeas (or white beans)
Optional protein:
¾ cup turkey pepperoni or salami slices
or grilled chicken, diced
Fresh Herbs
½ cup fresh basil, torn
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Creamy Italian Dressing
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove, grated)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional creamy touch: 2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente.
Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
Let cool completely.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk in Greek yogurt/mayo if using for a creamy version.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peppers, olives, mozzarella, chickpeas, and protein (if using).
4. Toss & Chill
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
Fold in basil and parsley.
Chill 20–30 minutes for best flavor.
5. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finish with extra olive oil or cracked pepper if desired.
Notes & Tips
Rinsing pasta stops cooking and prevents sogginess.
Add basil just before serving to keep it vibrant.
If making ahead, reserve a little dressing to refresh before serving.
For extra depth, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or sun-dried tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this salad spicy?
No—classic Italian flavors, mild and family-friendly.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—skip meat and add extra beans or grilled vegetables.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 5 g