Italian-Style Pasta Salad
A vibrant Italian-style pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, marinated artichokes, and savory sausage, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the spaghetti or vermicelli in half.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Drain the artichoke hearts and chop them into smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped artichokes, shredded broccoli, shredded carrot, sliced summer sausage, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Sicilian Italian Sausage in place of summer sausage. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or olives for a twist. If you're in a hurry, use pre-cooked pasta to save time. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before combining to prevent wilting the greens.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian-Style Pasta Salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Home Style Lasagna or Stuffed Italian Shells for a complete Italian feast. Garnish with fresh basil or serve with crusty bread for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Pasta Salad contains roughly 391 calories, with 13g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and add the Parmesan cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute shredded mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or feta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its unique taste to the dish, enhancing the overall experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the spaghetti or vermicelli for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available now, so you can enjoy this delicious Italian-style salad without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).