Italian Chop Pasta Salad

Italian Chop Pasta Salad is a bold, colorful, and satisfying twist on the classic chopped salad—made heartier with al dente pasta. Packed with crisp veggies, savory meats, cheese, and a tangy Italian vinaigrette, this salad is fresh, vibrant, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches. It’s the kind of dish that gets better as it sits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is all about flavor and texture. You get crunch from chopped romaine and vegetables, chew from pasta, creaminess from mozzarella, and zesty punch from salami, pepperoncini, and a garlicky vinaigrette. It’s easy to prep, highly customizable, and hearty enough to serve as a full meal or a crowd-pleasing side.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

• Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Bell pepper, chopped
• Sliced salami or pepperoni, chopped
• Mozzarella pearls or cubed provolone
• Pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced
• Kalamata or black olives, halved
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

For the Italian vinaigrette:

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper
• Honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

directions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Chop and prep ingredients:
   Finely chop lettuce, vegetables, meats, and cheese. Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl along with the cooled pasta.
3. Make the vinaigrette:
   In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey. Shake or whisk until well combined.
4. Assemble the salad:
   Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill and serve:
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: approx. 1 hour

Variations

• Swap in grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein.
• Use chickpeas or cannellini beans for a vegetarian version.
• Add shredded parmesan or crumbled feta for extra flavor.
• Use arugula or spinach instead of romaine.
• Try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Toss before serving as the dressing may settle. Not suitable for freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors develop.

Do I have to include lettuce?

No, but it adds great crunch and freshness. You can skip it or replace it with more vegetables or arugula.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade vinaigrette adds fresher flavor. Choose a high-quality Italian dressing if using bottled.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie hold the dressing and mix-ins well.

Is this salad served cold?

Yes, it’s best served cold or at room temperature—perfect for warm-weather meals or potlucks.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the salami and add beans, grilled veggies, or marinated tofu.

What cheese substitutes can I use?

Provolone, feta, shaved parmesan, or even mini mozzarella balls all work great.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Toss in the lettuce and dressing just before serving if making far ahead. Store dressing separately if prepping a day in advance.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients (like salami and dressing) are gluten-free.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, it’s hearty and protein-packed enough to serve as a lunch or dinner entrée.

Conclusion

Italian Chop Pasta Salad is a crave-worthy combination of zesty, savory, and fresh elements that makes it a standout in any meal lineup. Whether you’re prepping it for a crowd or just looking for a flavorful make-ahead lunch, this salad is as satisfying as it is easy to throw together. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your rotation.

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