You must try this fully loaded Italian pasta salad using mostly Trader Joe’s ingredients. It’s easy, filling and perfect for summertime parties!
My summertime staple
One of my favorite things in the summer is a cold pasta salad. They’re super easy to throw together, but always so satisfying and delicious. I love how you can make them a number of ways – it’s so fun to play around with flavor combinations! Some of my faves right now have to be my deliciously refreshing lemon basil pasta salad, my spicy tortellini pasta salad and of course, my beloved BLT inspired pasta salad. This loaded italian pasta salad, however, has well and truly cemented itself as a summertime staple!
Everything comes together so easy in around 15 – 20 minutes, and is even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a further 45 minutes. There’s something about a cold pasta salad on a warm day that hits the spot like nothing else can!
Pasta salad does not have to be boring – this recipe is bursting with flavor and interesting textures! There is so much variety, between the fresh bell pepper, rich black olives and the tangy, meaty salami. I love the way the flavors work together, particularly with a drizzle of Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch which adds the perfect hint of umami spice! It adds so much flavor to any dish. I throw it in pasta, eggs, pizza, brussels sprouts.. really anything that’s savory.
Locked and loaded!
If you keep up with my blog, you’ll know how much I love Trader Joe’s. They always have exactly what I’m looking for and are a great source of inspiration for new recipes and flavor combos! All of the ingredients for this loaded italian pasta salad can be found at Trader Joe’s, besides the Banza chickpea pasta which I buy on Amazon. Trader Joe’s has some great pasta options, both regular and gluten free that will work great for this recipe. That being said, I just personally just prefer the Banza pasta. The TJ’s red lentil pasta is very good too, but it’s red in color so in all honesty I just wasn’t sure how it would photograph.
I personally love a spiral noodle shape when it comes to pasta salad because it carries the dressing so well, and they are so satisfying to eat! For a Trader Joe’s option you can try the Organic Fusilli Corti Bucati which I’ve used for other recipes and loved!
My loaded italian pasta salad is super versatile, and can be adapted to suit your guests. It can easily be made vegetarian by either omitting the salami, or subbing this for your favourite meat free alternative. I think this works just as well as a meatless meal! For my gluten free friends, you can use GF pasta, make sure you choose a GF salami and opt for a GF salad dressing. Again, TJ has some great options for these!
What you’ll need:
- 1 lb. rotini pasta, or pasta of choice
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- Hard salami, cut into small pieces, to taste
- 6 oz. mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 3.8 oz. can of sliced black olives, drained
- 2 tbsp Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch, or to taste
- 10 oz. Trader Joe’s Italian dressing, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How it’s done:
- Cook the pasta according to your package instructions (I recommend al dente for pasta salads). Once cooked, rinse with cold water and add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add all of the other ingredients and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasonings / dressing if need be.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving, and enjoy!
FAQs
This should last for around 3 – 5 days in the refrigerator – simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container! The tomatoes may begin to wilt after 2 days, so if you’re making this well in advance I’d recommend adding these closer to the time for best results.
Of course! I actually think my loaded italian pasta salad tastes better after some time in the fridge. The pasta is able to absorb more of the dressing and flavors, so I always recommend letting it chill for at least 45 minutes after throwing it together!
Pasta salads are great because they’re super versatile, and can be adapted to suit your guests. For my gluten free friends, you can use GF pasta, make sure you choose a GF salami and opt for a GF salad dressing.
I hope you enjoy this summer recipe as much as I do! This loaded Italian pasta salad belongs at every summer BBQ.
Other recipes you will love:
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PrintLoaded Italian Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 15 – 20 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
My Loaded Italian Pasta Salad is a summertime favorite of mine – it’s perfect for any gathering or family party! And you can find all your ingredients in one place at Trader Joe’s.
Ingredients
1 lb. rotini pasta, or pasta of choice
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green bell pepper, chopped
hard salami, cut into small pieces, to taste
6 oz. mozzarella, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
3.8 oz. can of sliced black olives, drained
2 tbsp Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch, or to taste
10 oz. Trader Joe’s Italian dressing, or to taste
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions (I recommend al dante for pasta salads), rinse with cold water and add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add all of the other ingredients and mix together.
- Taste and adjust seasonings/dressing if need be. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving!
Notes
This should last for around 3 – 5 days in the refrigerator – simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container! The tomatoes may begin to wilt after 2 days, so if you’re making this well in advance I’d recommend adding these closer to the time for best results.
Cynthia C.
So tasty and easy to make!
Kristen
Such an easy aNd deliCious salad. I cant stop making it
Jen
This was a crowd pleaser and so easy to put together!
Rachel C
Super sImple & DeliCious!