Italian Sub Pasta Salad

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

This Classic Italian Sub Pasta Salad is bright, fresh, and loaded with all the bold flavors of your favorite Italian deli sandwich. Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it’s an easy make-ahead pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and gatherings.

PIN this delicious Pasta Salad to try later!

italian sub pasta salad

If theres a dish that I make for all occasions, it’s this Italian Pasta Salad! I’ve been making for over a decade and for a good reason, it’s always a hit! This cold pasta salad has all the flavors of an Italian deli sandwich and perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, picnics, meal prep lunches or just about any gathering. It can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.

Packed with salami, cubes of cheese, olives, and tossed in a store-bought (or make your own) Italian dressing. The salad comes together in minutes and can be made a day or two ahead, oh and it lasts about a week in the fridge! It’s just the perfect go-to pasta salad that will be memorable wherever you bring it!

Pin

Pin

key pasta salad ingredients

• Fusilli pasta: I love the shape of this spiral pasta because it holds the dressing perfectly but you can use your favorite pasta for this dish. Others ideas are penne and farfalle or “bowtie pasta”. The tricolor is so fun for pasta salad!
• Italian dressing: Dressing: You can make your own or use store-bought dressing.
• Salami: The star of the salad! Use a hard salami, genoa salami or your favorite kind! Any will work.
• Cheese: We use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack. Other cheese to add is gouda, grated parmesan, provolone and havarti.
• Black Olives: Add a salty, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. You could also use green olives.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness, color, and a bright finish to the pasta salad.
• Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

Pin

how to make italian pasta salad

Cook pasta: Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Rinse under cold water.

Mix dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the salad dressing and seasonings.

Combine all ingredients and enjoy! Once the pasta has cooled, place pasta in a large bowl and add salami, cheese, olives and parsley. Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and gently toss to coat and combine all of the ingredients. Place in the refrigerator to sit until ready to serve, the longer it sits- the more the flavors will absorb. 🙂 Enjoy!

Pin

italian sub pasta salad variations

• Gluten-free: Make this a gluten-free pasta dish by using gluten-free pasta.
• Add spice: Mix in red pepper flakes, your favorite hot sauce, or extra black pepper. You could also add hot capicola, pepperoncini peppers, pepper jack cheese and red pepper flakes.
• Add veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and banana peppers.
• Other Italian deli meats to add: Make this extra hearty and add in mortadella, prosciutto, ham, pepperoni, chicken, turkey or any other protein favorites.
• Italian Grinder Salad: Add shredded lettuce and diced pepperoncini right before serving.

Pin

recipe tips

• Make the night before: You can prep this pasta salad the night before if you want to save time!
• Always salt your water: Generously salt pasta water with about a heaping teaspoon of salt in a large pot of boiling water. This will add more flavor.
• Let your pasta salad rest: Once you’ve made the pasta salad, let it sit in the fridge to get cold and for the flavors to sit in- for about an hour. This will help make the pasta salad extra flavorful and perfectly chilled.
• Rinse the pasta with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool the pasta quickly before mixing in the other ingredients.
• Add fresh herbs at the end: Toss in parsley just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• Cook the pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better after being tossed with the dressing and won’t become mushy as it chills.
• Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces: This ensures every bite is loaded with a little bit of everything.

Pin

leftovers & storage

To-store: Leftover pasta salad is even better the next day because the flavors sit together making this even better tasting. Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.

To-freeze: Make the recipe as directed then place in an airtight container or heavy duty ziplock bag. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, refrigerator overnight or leave out on the counter for a few hours until softened.

*If the pasta salad seems dry after sitting in the fridge or after defrosting, drizzle a little olive oil and stir until combined.

Pin

Pin

 This recipe was last updated June 10, 2026 to include additional photos and information. Originally posted April 11, 2019 By Kathryn Donangelo.