Why You’ll Love Crispy Italiano Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad is ready in just 30 minutes and serves a crowd, making it great for lunches, potlucks, cookouts, or easy dinners.
The crispy pasta gives it a fun twist compared to classic pasta salad.
The creamy Dijon-yogurt dressing is tangy, savory, and lightly sweet.
It has plenty of texture from crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and salty salami.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups uncooked farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, shredded
3 Persian cucumbers, small diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
4 ounces Genoa salami, cut into thin strips
Directions
Cook the farfalle in salted water until al dente. Drain well, then add the pasta to an air fryer basket.
Toss the pasta with olive oil, shredded parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Salad Supreme Seasoning. Spread it into a flat layer and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
For an oven method, spread the seasoned pasta on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
To make the dressing, add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, 1/2 teaspoon Salad Supreme Seasoning, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to a small food processor or blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, Kalamata olives, red onion, Genoa salami, crispy pasta, and dressing to a large bowl.
Toss until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with extra seasoning, if desired, and serve right away.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Swap farfalle for rotini, penne, or rigatoni if needed.
Use romaine lettuce instead of iceberg for a slightly heartier green.
Replace Genoa salami with pepperoni, grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas.
Add banana peppers, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini for extra Italian-style flavor.
Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing, or all mayonnaise for a richer version.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served immediately while the pasta is crispy and the lettuce is fresh.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will soften as it sits, but the salad will still taste delicious.
For best results, store the crispy pasta, dressing, and salad ingredients separately, then toss just before serving.
Reheating is not recommended once the salad is assembled. To re-crisp plain leftover pasta, place it in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes before adding it back to fresh salad ingredients.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Italiano Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best to prep the parts separately. Make the dressing, chop the vegetables, and crisp the pasta ahead of time, then combine everything right before serving.
How do I keep the pasta crispy?
Let the pasta cool completely after air frying, then store it separately from the dressing and vegetables until ready to serve.
Can I bake the pasta instead of air frying it?
Yes. Bake the seasoned pasta at 425°F for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
What pasta shape works best?
Farfalle works great because it crisps well and holds dressing nicely, but rotini, penne, or shells can also work.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes. Simply leave out the Genoa salami or replace it with chickpeas, white beans, or extra mozzarella.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes. A creamy Italian dressing or homemade vinaigrette can work, though the yogurt-mayo dressing adds the best creamy texture.
Is this pasta salad served warm or cold?
It is best served cold or at room temperature, with the crispy pasta added just before serving.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. Dice regular cucumber into small pieces. If the skin is thick or the seeds are watery, peel and seed it first.
How long does the dressing last?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and use a very large bowl for tossing. Crisp the pasta in batches so it cooks evenly.
Conclusion
Crispy Italiano Pasta Salad is a flavorful, texture-packed twist on classic pasta salad. With crispy seasoned pasta, creamy tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, olives, and salami, it is easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for sharing.
