Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian Pasta Salad is an amazing replacement for a simple lunchtime Italian Sub. You will love this hearty lunch salad, and anyone seeing you eat this will be jealous!

Italian subs are my all-time favorite! I love everything about it from the pepperoni to the peppers. I tossed this together to take for a simple lunch for the pool. I ended up making it again and again.

I added a few of my favorite toppings from my favorite Italian sub but you could also add tomatoes, olives, or more of your favorite deli meat.

Don’t forget to comment and tell me how you made this recipe, I love hearing your ideas. 

How to make Italian Pasta Salad:

This “pasta salad” is different than what you would normally expect in a traditional pasta salad. This is essentially an Italian Sub Sandwich turned into a Pasta Salad.

Take your favorite meats from an Italian Sub and add some bowtie pasta, lettuce and other ingredients and toss in Italian Dressing.

Chop and dice up your meats and cheese, and the only cooking needed is the cooking of the pasta.

Ingredient Notes:

• Farfalle pasta – I like bowtie pasta the best for this salad, but you can use any kind you like. Pinwheel pasta would work well too.
• Romaine Lettuce – chopped for a salad.
• Ham – Deli ham sliced and diced into small chunks.
• Salami – diced and sliced into small bites.
• Pepperoni – sliced into quarters.
• Red Onion – sliced thin for a salad.
• Banana Peppers – drained well so there is no extra juice.
• White Cheddar Cheese – use a block of white cheddar cheese for this recipe.
• Italian Dressing – use any brand you like or make your own.
• Optional: Olives – they go great in this Italian salad, but I did not have any for this recipe.

What is a Salad with Pasta?

This pasta salad is a hearty and filling salad that will make everyone happy! An Italian sub minus the roll but as a salad has me drooling thinking about it!

Substitute the roll for your favorite pasta, and you have a tasty lunch people will be craving!

Directions:

Step One – Cook your Farfalle (also known as bow-tie pasta) according to package directions.

Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow cooling.

Step Two – In a large mixing bowl toss together lettuce, ham, salami, pepperoni, red onion, banana peppers, and cubed white cheddar.

Step Three – Add cooked pasta and toss again. Pour in dressing and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!

Can I use another pasta?

We love it best served with farfalle (bowtie) but of course, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne or rotini would work great too!

Can I make this Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Normally yes, you can make almost any pasta salad ahead of time. With this one, you still can get most of it done in advance.

Go ahead and cook your pasta. Mix the pasta, meat, and cheese up with the dressing. Store in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve prepare your lettuce and add to the salad. If you add the lettuce in advance they will get soggy and not hold up well.

More of my favorite Italian inspired recipes:

Italian Pinwheels – These easy Italian Pinwheels are loaded with ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese. It’s my favorite easy lunch recipe and one that you will want to try. 

Easy Italian Sliders – Simple to make and taste great these Easy Italian Sliders are the perfect quick dinner or filling appetizer. Sweet rolls full of ham, salami, pepperoni, and cheese then baked and ready to serve. 

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup – This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is made with a savory tomato base and loaded with cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and baby spinach. Cooked on the stove top in 30 minutes then it’s time to enjoy. 

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