Simple Italian Sub Pasta Salad A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine a dish that combines all the best flavors of an Italian sub sandwich — creamy mozzarella, tangy olives, savory deli meats, and fresh veggies, all nestled in pasta. That’s exactly what you get with this Italian Sub Pasta Salad! It’s a fun and delicious twist on the classic sandwich, turning it into a perfect pasta salad that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or bringing a dish to a potluck, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Stick with me as I show you how to make the best Italian Sub Pasta Salad, simple, tasty, and totally customizable to your tastes. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love the bold, comforting flavors of an Italian sub sandwich? Now, imagine those flavors brought to life in a pasta salad! The combination of savory deli meats, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, and fresh veggies makes this Italian Sub Pasta Salad a taste sensation. It’s a fresh, hearty dish that will leave you wanting more after every bite.

What makes this salad even better is how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for anyone, from seasoned chefs to beginners. All you need to do is chop, toss, and chill—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients required! Plus, the best part? It’s completely customizable. Add extra veggies, switch up the meats, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Whether you love a spicy kick or prefer something milder, this salad adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for.

And it’s not just tasty—it’s make-ahead friendly! This salad actually tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s a dish that’s just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for parties or picnics. So, whether you’re prepping meals for the week or bringing a dish to a gathering, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad will definitely steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Italian Sub Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Don’t worry—there’s nothing fancy or hard to find here, just the perfect combination of flavors to recreate the taste of your favorite Italian sub sandwich. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

Pasta Base:

• 12 oz of rotini (or any pasta you like, but rotini holds the dressing so well)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling the pasta, just like any good pasta dish)

Meats:

• 8 oz sliced peppered salami (adds that savory richness)
• 8 oz mini pepperoni slices (the more, the merrier when it comes to pepperoni!)

Cheese:

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (perfect little bites of cheesy goodness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a little sharpness to balance the richness)

Fresh Veggies:

• 1 cucumber (diced—adds a refreshing crunch)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced—this gives the salad a beautiful pop of color)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced for that little bit of tang)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved—sweet and juicy)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped to bring a burst of fresh flavor)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 can sliced black olives (use half the can, or more if you love olives!)
• 1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning (because it wouldn’t be an Italian salad without it)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (a little smokiness to round it out)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but perfect for adding a touch of heat)

Dressing:

• 1 cup Italian dressing (I love the store-bought version for convenience, but feel free to go homemade if you prefer!)

Pro Tips:

• If you like things a little spicier, feel free to add more crushed red pepper or switch the pepperoni for spicy sausage.
• Mozzarella pearls are ideal, but if you can’t find them, shredded mozzarella works just as well.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to make the best Italian Sub Pasta Salad that’s sure to be a hit every time!

How to Prepare Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Making this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is as easy as it gets! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s ready to impress. Here’s how to put it all together:

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini and cook it for 7-8 minutes until it’s al dente (you want that perfect bite!). Drain the pasta and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. This helps it stop cooking and prevents it from getting too soft when mixed with the dressing.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta is cooling, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh parsley for that pop of green. The fresh veggies are what really bring this salad to life with color and crunch!

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Once the pasta has cooled, toss it into a large mixing bowl. Add in the chopped veggies, along with the sliced peppered salami, mini pepperoni slices, and the fresh mozzarella pearls. Don’t forget the black olives—they add that briny goodness! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see how this Italian Sub Pasta Salad comes together beautifully.

Step 4: Season and Dress

Now, it’s time to make this salad sing with flavor! Sprinkle in the Italian herb seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Drizzle in your Italian dressing—store-bought works just fine, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and really come together. Trust me, it’ll taste even better after a little rest!

That’s it! You’ve just made the best Italian Sub Pasta Salad—a fresh, tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Customize Your Italian Sub Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the meats, or even play around with the cheese, you can make this dish uniquely yours. Let me share some fun and tasty ways you can customize this salad to fit your personal taste!

Add More Veggies

If you love a salad that’s loaded with veggies, try adding some artichoke hearts, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. These additions not only give a pop of color but also bring in even more layers of taste, making your Italian Sub Pasta Salad even heartier.

Try Different Meats

The classic peppered salami and mini pepperoni slices are delicious, but feel free to get creative! You can swap in ham, turkey, or even spicy sausage for a new twist. If you’re a fan of pepperjack cheese, throw some in for a little kick!

Experiment with Cheese Varieties

While fresh mozzarella pearls are a must, you can totally mix things up. Add sharp cheddar, provolone, or even feta cheese to give the salad a different creamy texture and a new burst of flavor. Cheese lovers will appreciate the extra richness!

Add Spice

If you like things hot, don’t hold back! Add some pickled jalapenos or chili flakes to give your Italian Sub Pasta Salad that extra heat. The spice complements the richness of the meats and cheese perfectly, giving the salad a kick.

Make It Gluten-Free

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make a gluten-free Italian Sub Pasta Salad! Simply swap the rotini for gluten-free pasta, and you’ve got a salad everyone can enjoy. It’s still just as delicious, with all the bold flavors intact.

With these simple tweaks, you can make this Italian Sub Pasta Salad truly your own. It’s all about finding the right balance of flavors that suit your taste, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Serving Suggestions for Italian Sub Pasta Salad

This Italian Sub Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious on its own—it’s also a great addition to almost any meal! Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or as a main dish for dinner, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even more memorable:

Perfect for Summer Parties

This Italian Sub Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish for any summer gathering. Serve it chilled as a refreshing addition to BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Its hearty yet light nature pairs perfectly with grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or even veggie skewers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to disappear quickly!

Great as a Main Dish

If you’re looking for a more filling meal, this pasta salad is perfect as a main dish. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a few slices of crusty bread to make it a complete meal. The hearty ingredients and tangy dressing will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.

Pair It with Other Pasta Dishes

If you’re serving up a hearty pasta dish, like chicken bacon fettuccine alfredo, the freshness of the Italian Sub Pasta Salad will provide a delightful contrast. The bold flavors and crunchy textures from the salad complement the creamy, rich pasta dishes, creating a well-balanced meal.

Meal Prep Friendly

This Italian Sub Pasta Salad is also perfect for meal prepping! Store individual servings in airtight containers, and you’ll have a tasty and satisfying lunch ready to go all week long. It’s a great option for busy days when you need something easy and filling without much effort.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!