Easy Italian Pasta Salad

It’s summertime and I don’t know about you, but I’m in need of some new recipes for picnics, BBQs, and camping! My husband and I recently went paddle camping for his birthday (while the kids were at camp), and as I was thinking of what food to pack I was craving something new and different. So, I threw together a bunch of yummy ingredients to make this hearty, tasty, Easy Italian Pasta Salad recipe.

I think it’s safe to say that it’s currently one of my favorite pasta salads … and eating it on the river quite possibly made it taste even better than normal! Oh, how I love summer activities, especially when they involve water. 🙂

Holding a container of pasta salad while sitting in a kayak on the water from a persons viewpoint.

What are your favorite summer foods?

More Favorite Cookout Recipes

Summer is here and it’s time for picnics, backyard cookouts, and camping! Perfect to bring along for your next gathering, here are some other favorite cookout recipes:

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect dish to bring to any picnic, BBQ, or camping trip this summer. It comes together in only 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Print Recipe

Servings: 6 side servings

For the Pasta Salad

8 ounces whole-wheat pasta boiled according to package directions (penne shape or similar)
8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
2 cups mixed greens (salad mix, spinach, or arugula), chopped
3/4 cup cheddar cheese cut into a small dice (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup pitted Mediterranean olives chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
1/4 red onion diced
2 ounces sliced salami chopped

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, tomatoes, greens, cheese cubes, olives, basil, red onion, and salami.
Combine the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake to emulsify and mix into the pasta salad until well coated. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 346
Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 23mg8%

Sodium 597mg26%

Potassium 175mg5%

Carbohydrates 27g9%