The Ultimate Italian Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Nothing says warm weather like this Summer Pasta Salad recipe packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a tangy Italian dressing!

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This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a summer BBQ, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal. Made with a mix of pantry staples and vibrant fresh produce, it comes together in no time! 

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this refreshing salad is a go-to summer favorite!

The Players for Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Pasta – Use any short pasta you’d like! Rotini pasta or bow ties are great options.
• Salad Supreme Seasoning – A flavorful blend of paprika, sesame seeds, and parmesan cheese that adds a delicious zest to every bite. If you have trouble finding the store-bought version, I made a homemade recipe towards the bottom of the post.
• Italian Dressing – I love using a bottle of Zesty Italian dressing, but feel free to use your favorite!
• Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets that have been cut into small pieces, add color and crunch to this easy pasta salad recipe.
• Bell Pepper – Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a vibrant and slightly sweet crunch.
• Tomatoes – Any type of tomatoes (Roma, grape, or cherry tomatoes) are the perfect summer staple for this pasta!
• Olives – Sliced black olives add a briny touch for an extra pop of flavor.
• Cheese – Cubed cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Colby Jack add a creamy contrast to this great pasta salad.

Tools:

• Tools – You’ll need a large serving bowl to serve up this Italian pasta salad!  

How to make Summer Pasta Salad

In a large pot of water, boil the water, and cook your pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and add the cooked pasta to your large bowl.

To the serving bowl, add the broccoli florets, bell peppers, halved grape tomatoes, cubed cheese, and sliced black olives.

Sprinkle in the seasoning and pour 1/2 of the bottled dressing into the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.  Before serving, if desired, add the remaining bottled dressing and give it another good toss.

Homemade Salad Supreme Seasoning

If you can’t find the Salad Supreme Seasoning at any of your grocery stores, here’s a quick and easy recipe.  This makes 3 tablespoons, perfect for this recipe.

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp celery salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

Combine everything in a small bowl.  Place in a resealable container and keep in the fridge (due to the cheese).

Optional Add-In’s for Summer Pasta Salad

Want to elevate this simple summer pasta salad?  Here are some additional add-ins to try! 

• Feta cheese – Crumbled for a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Red onions – Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
• Green onions – Chopped for a mild onion flavor with a fresh crunch.
• Lemon juice or lime juice – A splash of citrus to brighten up the flavors.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Chewy and rich, adding a deep, slightly sweet taste.
• Sweet corn – Adds a pop of natural sweetness and color.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro) – Chopped for a burst of freshness and extra aroma.
• Summer veggies – Cucumbers, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas, and shredded Brussels sprouts are other great options!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions for Summer Pasta Salad

Make Ahead: This simple pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! Assemble the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the dressing.  The next day, add the dressing to the pasta.

To Store:  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. I find that this pasta salad is even better on the 2nd or 3rd day!

Pin it for Later!

If you end up making this Summer Pasta Salad, leave me a comment.  I’d love to chat with you!

Looking for other easy summer recipes?  Check these out next!

• Creamy Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cranberries
• Easy Homemade Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
• The Best BBQ Bacon Beans Recipe (Family Favorite!)
• Copycat Starbucks Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
• Banana Pudding with Trefoils Girl Scout Cookies
• Old Fashioned Jello Lemon Cake Recipe (and Video)
• Old Fashioned Country Apple Fritter Bread Recipe
• Easy Cast Iron Skillet Apple Cobbler Recipe
• Classic Homemade Blueberry Pie Recipe
• The Best Homemade Old Fashioned Cherry Pie Recipe
• Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Copycat Recipe
• The Best Baked Fish Tacos Recipe (with Crispy Broccoli Slaw)
• Starbucks White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cold Brew (Copycat)
• The Best Cast Iron Skillet Peach Cobbler Recipe
• Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe (Copycat)
• Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• The Best Copycat Starbucks Blueberry Muffins Recipe
• Old Fashioned Jello Lemon Cake Recipe (and Video)

Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."