If you love a classic Italian hoagie, then this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a must-try! It brings together the bold flavors of deli meats, fresh veggies, and provolone cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. The tri-colored rotini adds the perfect texture and soaks up the delicious flavors, making every bite irresistible.
Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, and meal prep, this pasta salad is as beautiful as it is tasty. The crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers add freshness and color, while the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese give it that authentic deli-inspired taste. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound tri-colored rotini
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sweet and hot salad peppers
- ¼ pound deli ham, diced
- ¼ pound salami, diced
- 1 cup pepperoni, diced
- ½ pound provolone cheese, diced
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Dressing:
- 16 oz bottle Italian dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, spinach, salad peppers, ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
- Stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Kcal: 563 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Italian Sub Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Hoagie
Pasta salads are a staple for gatherings, and when you combine them with the flavors of an Italian sub sandwich, you get an irresistibly bold and delicious dish Italian Sub Pasta Salad. This hearty and vibrant recipe takes all the elements of a classic hoagie and transforms them into a refreshing and satisfying cold pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or even meal prepping, this dish delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Italian Sub Pasta Salad
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its versatility. It combines salty, savory, tangy, and creamy flavors in a way that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The combination of deli meats, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing creates a dynamic dish that works as both a side and a main course.
Here are a few reasons why this pasta salad is a must-try:
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for weekly meal prep.
- Customizable: You can swap out the meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Balanced and Satisfying: With a combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this pasta salad is a well-rounded dish that keeps you full and satisfied.
The Inspiration Behind Italian Sub Pasta Salad
This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian sub sandwich, also known as a hoagie or grinder, depending on where you’re from. Italian subs are famous for their layers of cured meats, cheese, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, all wrapped in a crusty roll. By turning these familiar flavors into a pasta salad, you get a dish that’s easier to prepare in bulk, serves a larger group, and stays fresh for hours at room temperature.
Traditional Italian subs typically include salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and a drizzle of Italian dressing or mayonnaise. The pasta salad version incorporates these elements but adds a twist with fresh spinach, bell peppers, and a creamy parmesan-infused dressing.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Making the perfect Italian Sub Pasta Salad involves more than just tossing ingredients together. Here are some expert tips to take your dish to the next level:
1. Choose the Right Pasta
Tri-colored rotini is the best option because its spiral shape holds onto the dressing well, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, you can also use bowtie (farfalle), penne, or macaroni if you prefer. The key is to cook the pasta al dente so it retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Cool the Pasta Properly
After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This keeps the salad from becoming sticky and helps maintain the perfect texture.
3. Use High-Quality Meats and Cheese
Since the deli meats and cheese are the star ingredients, choosing high-quality options makes a big difference. Look for freshly sliced deli ham, spicy or mild salami, and high-quality pepperoni for the best results. Provolone cheese is the best option for a mild yet slightly sharp flavor, but you can also use fresh mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste.
4. Let It Marinate
One of the best things about this pasta salad is that it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together, making it more delicious over time. If possible, prepare it at least an hour before serving for the best taste.
5. Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Add Some Spice: If you love a bit of heat, mix in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or banana peppers.
- Try Different Proteins: Swap out the traditional deli meats for grilled chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Switch Up the Dressing: While this recipe uses a blend of Italian dressing and mayonnaise, you can opt for a vinaigrette or a Greek dressing for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is a fantastic standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving ideas:
- BBQ Favorites: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a perfect summer meal.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Pair it with Italian sliders, paninis, or club sandwiches for a well-rounded lunch.
- Seafood Dishes: The bold flavors complement grilled shrimp, lemon herb salmon, or a seafood boil.
For an elegant presentation, serve it in a large salad bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese. If serving at a party, consider setting out extra dressing on the side so guests can adjust the flavor to their liking.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about Italian Sub Pasta Salad is that it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Store in an Airtight Container: This prevents the ingredients from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Mix Before Serving: The dressing may settle at the bottom, so give it a good toss before eating.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the creamy dressing, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the pasta and the dressing will change, making it less enjoyable.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. It combines all the best flavors of an Italian hoagie with the convenience and heartiness of a pasta salad, making it ideal for summer cookouts, potlucks, or meal prepping.
With its mix of savory meats, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and creamy cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can tweak it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a BBQ or enjoying it as a light meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Try it for your next gathering and watch it disappear everyone will be coming back for seconds!