Easy Pasta Tomato Mozzarella

Section: Delicious Pasta Creations

This vibrant pasta salad brings together al dente rotini, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella balls, savory salami, and briny kalamata olives. Everything is tossed in a zesty Italian-style dressing laced with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Red onion adds gentle warmth while fresh parsley brightens the flavor. The assembled mix chills in the fridge, allowing all the ingredients to meld and soak up the punchy vinaigrette—making each bite both refreshing and satisfying. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or an easy meal, keeping beautifully for a few days in the refrigerator.

Authored By Tyla
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 02:07:57 GMT
Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des cucumbers, des oignons, des herbes et des pâtes. Save
Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des cucumbers, des oignons, des herbes et des pâtes. | savorieswithtyla.com

This easy pasta salad is my lifesaver whenever I need something colorful fast and crowd-pleasing for picnics or barbecues I whipped it together for a last-minute block party and it disappeared before I even grabbed a plate

The first time I made this I barely measured anything and still got rave reviews It is forgiving and flexible and now it is the only thing my cousin requests for her birthday picnic every year

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: gives the dressing its richness and smooth mouthfeel Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
  • Red wine vinegar: brings tang and brightness Look for one with a deep ruby color
  • Dried Italian seasoning: adds herby complexity Choose a fresh jar for sprightlier flavor
  • Granulated sugar: balances tartness and rounds out the acidity of the vinegar
  • Fresh garlic: brings a punchy bite Make sure to mince it finely so it disperses evenly
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: enhance and bring together all the flavors
  • Red onion: gives the salad a mild crunch and a slight spicy kick Choose one that feels heavy for its size and has tight skin
  • Short pasta like rotini or fusilli: grabs onto every bit of the dressing Aim for a sturdy shape that will not fall apart
  • Cherry tomatoes: deliver juicy sweetness Look for fragrant tomatoes with glossy skin
  • English cucumber: offers refreshing crunch and holds its texture well Avoid ones with shriveled skin
  • Mini mozzarella balls: add creamy pockets of cheese Opt for the freshest mozzarella you can find
  • Salami: brings savory depth and a little chew Choose a mild Italian-style salami sliced thin and cut into strips
  • Kalamata olives: add briny saltiness Pick ones that are glossy and plump
  • Fresh parsley: wakes up the whole salad Use flat-leaf for a fresher taste and fine chop it to distribute easily

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the dressing:
Whisk together olive oil red wine vinegar Italian seasoning sugar minced garlic kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth
Soften the onion:
Add chopped red onion to the dressing Stir and let sit while prepping everything else to mellow its sharpness and infuse the dressing
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add the dried pasta and cook until just barely al dente about 8 minutes or as the package directs
Chill the pasta:
Drain cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process Submerge the colander in an ice bath for about five minutes until the pasta is fully cool and firm
Combine salad:
Drain and shake off any excess water from pasta Place in a large mixing bowl Add in tomatoes cucumber mozzarella balls salami kalamata olives and parsley
Dress and toss:
Pour the dressing with onions over the salad Gently toss everything until evenly coated so every piece is glossy and seasoned
Meld the flavors:
Refrigerate the salad covered for at least thirty minutes before serving This helps all the ingredients soak up the dressing and marry together
Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des oignons, des olives et des herbes. Save
Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des oignons, des olives et des herbes. | savorieswithtyla.com

My absolute favorite ingredient in this salad is always the mozzarella balls They are the first thing my nieces dig out with their fingers Sometimes we make a game out of who finds the most and it always ends in laughter Pasta salad has a way of turning simple days into something special and memorable

How to Store

Keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge It stays crisp and tasty for up to three days If it seems dry after storage just splash in a little more olive oil and vinegar before serving Always give it a quick taste check and adjust the seasoning as needed

Ingredient Swaps

You can absolutely swap out ingredients based on what you have Any small pasta shape works like farfalle or penne Chopped bell peppers or roasted red peppers make colorful alternatives to tomatoes Use cubed cheddar or feta instead of mozzarella Turkey pepperoni or even leftover grilled chicken can step in for salami The salad is endlessly adaptable

Serving Inspiration

Serve this pasta salad chilled straight from the fridge It pairs beautifully with anything from grilled chicken or fish to classic burgers If you want to make it the star of the show add extra greens like baby spinach or arugula and call it a main course I always put out a big bowl at gatherings and watch it vanish

Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des épinards et des herbes. Save
Une salade de pâtes facile avec des tomates, des épinards et des herbes. | savorieswithtyla.com

Cultural Connection

Pasta salads like this one were a summer staple in my Italian American family Growing up my grandmother tossed together pasta salad with backyard tomatoes and whatever cheese she had Sometimes she would add tuna instead of meats and tell stories about how every region of Italy has their own version

Recipe Questions

→ How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente, then rinse with cold water and chill in an ice bath. This stops cooking and keeps texture firm.

→ Can I substitute other ingredients?

Absolutely. Try bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or swap salami for turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

→ How long should this salad be chilled before serving?

At least 30 minutes is best. This gives the flavors time to combine and ensures everything is cool and refreshing.

→ How long does this salad keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving leftovers.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne are best; they hold dressing and ingredients in every bite.

→ Is it possible to make the dressing ahead?

Yes, mix the dressing and keep it refrigerated for several days. Whisk before adding to the salad ingredients.

Easy Pasta Tomato Mozzarella

Tender pasta tossed with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and salami in a bold herbed vinaigrette.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
8 mins
Overall Time
23 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Pasta Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: Italian

Serves: 8 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You Need

→ Dressing

01 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
02 60 ml red wine vinegar
03 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
04 0.5 teaspoon granulated sugar
05 1 garlic clove, minced
06 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
07 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad

08 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
09 225 grams dried short pasta (such as rotini)
10 225 grams cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
11 1 small English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
12 115 grams mini mozzarella balls, drained and halved
13 115 grams salami slices, cut into 1.25 cm wide strips
14 120 ml pitted kalamata olives, halved
15 15 grams fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian herbs, sugar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified.

Step 02

Add finely chopped red onion to the dressing and stir to incorporate. Set aside to allow flavors to infuse and the onion to soften.

Step 03

Bring 2 litres of salted water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the dried pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes or as specified on package instructions. While pasta cooks, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.

Step 04

Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Immerse the colander into the prepared ice bath and let pasta cool for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Drain pasta thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella balls, salami strips, kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing with marinated onions over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.

Step 06

Refrigerate the composed salad for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Important Notes

  1. For optimal freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving if needed.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains milk due to mozzarella
  • Contains wheat gluten in pasta
  • Contains pork if salami includes pork

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 355
  • Total Fat: 21 grams
  • Total Carbs: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 10 grams