This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Ready for a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week? Let’s dive into making a single serving Italian Pasta Salad. This dish is a symphony of flavors, blending classic Italian ingredients in an easy-to-make recipe. Ideal for those days when you crave something delicious but don’t want to deal with leftovers, this pasta salad is about to become your go-to for a satisfying and simple meal.
In search of more delightful single serving salad recipes? Explore our range of tasty options! Savor the robust and zesty Italian Chopped Salad, enjoy the sweet and earthy flavors of the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad, relish the classic and creamy Macaroni Salad, indulge in the fresh and tangy Chicken Caprese Salad, or treat yourself to the timeless and garlicky Caesar Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of crisp vegetables, savory cheeses, and tangy dressing creates a delightful eating experience.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect Portion: Ideal for a satisfying meal without the worry of excess.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with a variety of veggies, it’s not only tasty but also a healthier option.
What Is An Italian Pasta Salad?
An Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and diverse dish, combining perfectly cooked pasta with a colorful array of ingredients. It’s a culinary canvas that typically includes fresh vegetables, rich cheeses, and savory meats, all brought together with a lively dressing. In our unique take on this classic, you’ll discover a blend of crisp broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, creamy feta, smooth mozzarella, and hearty salami.
Originating from Southern Italy, where it’s known as ‘insalata di pasta’, this delightful salad has become synonymous with leisurely outdoor meals and summer gatherings. Characteristically served cold, it’s a go-to choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal on a warm day.
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Italian Pasta Salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Pasta: Rotini holds the dressing well, but any small pasta works. It’s the foundation of the dish, offering a satisfying texture. If you’ve got leftover pasta, consider using it in Chicken Paprika, Hamburger Casserole, or Mushroom Pasta.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella is creamy and mild. Goat cheese or cheddar can add a different flavor profile. Use any leftover mozzarella in a small Sheet Pan Lasagna or Stuffed Shells.
- Salami: Adds a savory depth. Vegetarians can opt for a plant-based protein or omit it entirely.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and olives provide crunch and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with other veggies.
- Italian Salad Dressing: Bottled dressings offer convenience and consistent flavor. Choose your preferred brand for the best personal experience.
Recipe Variations
Italian Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some creative variations that will keep your taste buds dancing:
- Add Leafy Greens: Introduce spinach or arugula to the mix for a nutritious punch.
- Mediterranean Flavor: Combine feta cheese and cucumber for a refreshing Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Fresh Herb Lift: Garnish with basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Boost Protein: Mix in tuna or broiled chicken to turn this salad into a protein-packed meal.
How To Make An Italian Pasta Salad
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Pasta: Follow the instructions on the pasta package for cooking. Drain and let it cool.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with all other ingredients. Your Italian Pasta Salad is now ready to enjoy! Quick and simple, this delightful salad comes together in just minutes.
RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For College Students
Expert Tips
- Select the Right Pasta Shape: Opt for short pasta varieties that have curves and ridges, like fusilli, rotini, or penne. These shapes are excellent at holding onto the dressing and integrating with other ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Cool Pasta for Best Results: After cooking, allow the pasta to cool down before adding the other ingredients. This step is crucial to maintain the freshness and crispness of the salad components.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to modify the ingredient quantities to suit your personal preference. Whether you like more cheese, extra veggies, or a bit more dressing, tailor it to your liking.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Aim to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it should be just slightly firm. Overcooked pasta tends to become mushy and may fall apart when mixed with the dressing, affecting the overall texture of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying your Italian Pasta Salad can be a creative affair. Here are some great ideas:
- Pair With Tomato Soup: For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a light soup.
- Add Some French Bread: A slice of crusty bread can complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Include Baked Chicken Thighs: Baked chicken can turn it into a hearty dinner.
- With a Side of Fruit: Fresh fruit can balance the savory notes.
- As a Picnic Item: It’s a great addition to your picnic basket.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
Short pasta like rotini or fusilli works best.
It can be, with the use of gluten-free pasta.
It’s best eaten fresh but can be stored for a day.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this Italian pasta salad or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Italian Pasta Salad For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked pasta (I use rotini pasta)
- ⅓ cup chopped red bell peppers
- ¼ cup broccoli florets
- 1 ounce salami , chopped
- 8 pitted black olives
- 3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Follow the instructions on the pasta package for cooking. Drain and let it cool.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with all other ingredients. Your Italian Pasta Salad is now ready to enjoy! Quick and simple, this delightful salad comes together in just minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
It’s 27’ outside as I eat this with 1/2 grilled cheese sandwich. So good. I’m 80 and so grateful for your recipes! 🥰
Made this today. I rarely make more than 1-2 servings but this sounded so good that I made 4 servings so I could eat it for several meals with the hot weather coming up! I didn’t put any dressing on it and I had to change it up a bit to avoid going to the store. I added sliced radishes, cheddar cheese and pepperoni. Tonight I had a bowl of it and added the cheese and dressing when I served it. So good!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pasta salad. It’s such a versatile recipe and your additions sound wonderful. Thank you for your feedback.
I believe the sodium level in your recipe is a typo. Sodium: 41520mg -There is no way it could be that high! Please correct the entry. I am a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and do recipe analysis all the time.
Hi Elaine,
Yes, you are right. Thank you for catching that. The information has been updated.
Joanie
This is an amazing recipe! I’ll be making it again and again!
A great recipe for quick lunches. I love that I can toss it all together, in whatever quantities I want, and meal prep it out for the week. I also like the suggestions on what else I can do with the leftovers.
Thank you so much! I am a single 73 y/o retired RN living alone and appreciate your website tremendously. I do have one question; do you have any low sodium recipes? I have hypertension and it’s so difficult to find any good recipes. Keep up the good work.
Hi Paula,
I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipes! We do have many lower sodium dishes on our site. In many of the recipes, the sodium comes from the addition of salt and can be added to taste or left out altogether.
Here are a few to browse through – https://onedishkitchen.com/salmon-baked-in-foil-for-one/
https://onedishkitchen.com/easy-single-serving-sheet-pan-chicken-recipe/
https://onedishkitchen.com/catfish-with-fennel-and-tomatoes-for-one/
Hope this helps.
Joanie
I am referring to the Italian Pasta for One:
First, thank you for this web site. It is very frustrating to have oodles of leftovers!!
My question: while I appreciate the serving is just for me, what happens if I want to make it for more people? When do I add the dressing? Or, in a very real scenario, I want to be able to bring this with me to a BBQ and have to make it gluten free; when do I add the dressing? Thank you again.
Hi Jeannette,
I’m so happy you are enjoying the recipes on our site, thank you so much for letting me know.
This pasta salad recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you want to make more. As for the dressing, add it when you add the other ingredients and toss the salad to mix everything together. Use gluten free pasta and a gluten free Italian dressing in order to make this a gluten free salad.
Hope you enjoy it and have a wonderful weekend!