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    Home » Side Dish Recipes » Vegetable Recipes

    Published: Feb 9, 2020 · Modified: Jul 1, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

    Chilled Italian Pasta Salad

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    Closeup photo of a chilled Italian pasta salad with basil and tomatoes with a title text overlay graphic

    Italian Shell Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Basil & Tomatoes comes together quickly with the help of store-bought bottled Italian dressing.

    It's wonderful as a chilled side dish or a vegetarian main course.

    A closeup vertical title text image of Italian pasta salad with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.

    I always gravitate towards a cold pasta salad when it's out on a buffet table at a party or gathering. 

    This Italian pasta salad is easy to make, and is best if prepared in advance and then allowed to chill in the refrigerator for several hours (or even better, overnight).

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making this easy cold pasta salad side dish is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    Closeup photo of pasta shell salad with fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese and title text.

    The ingredient list;

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • Medium Shell Pasta, or your favorite pasta variety (cooked just shy of the package directions)
    • Red Onion
    • Green Bell Pepper
    • Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
    • Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
    • Prepared Bottled Italian Dressing
    • Olive Oil
    • Garlic
    • Dried Basil
    • Dried Oregano
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Fresh Basil Leaves
    • Salt and Pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large pasta pot
    • colander
    • wooden spoon or spatula
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • cheese grater (optional)
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • large serving bowl
    • plastic wrap
    • air-tight storage container

    Check out my latest and greatest Kudos Kitchen tasty BBQ side dishes recipe roundup.

    Why this cold Italian pasta salad recipe works?

    The thing I love most about this cold pasta salad side dish (besides the flavor itself) is the addition of the fresh Mozzarella Fresca (baby mozzarella balls), so I made sure to add plenty.

    There is something so tantalizing about biting into tender, soft pillows of fresh mozzarella that are partnered with perfectly cooked pasta shells, and then smothered with big, bold Italian flavors, and then more cheese!

    Also, it's made in advance, so if you happen to be entertaining with this recipe, or are super busy on any given day, this delicious pasta side dish is ready and waiting in the fridge at a moment's notice!

    Can other shapes of pasta be used for this recipe?

    Yes!

    Feel free to use your favorite variety, just keep in mind that it's good to have a type that will trap and hold some of the delicious ingredients. A pasta with texture and holes is always a good choice.

    Large glass bowl filled with shell pasta salad, grape tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

    Can I add protein to this cold pasta salad?

    Sure!

    If you're looking to make this recipe as more of the main course (for the carnivores in your life), feel free to play around with it.

    What about adding some cooked chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken is always a good choice), or maybe even some Italian sausage (leftovers work well for this) that have been pre-cooked and then tossed in with the pasta before chilling.

    Oooh, before I forget! Cubed salami or sliced pepperoni would be great too!

    You be the judge. It's your salad, done your way!

    Title text vertical collage of how to make Italian shell pasta salad.

    Can this cold pasta salad be made in advance?

    Yes! That's the great thing about cold pasta salads. They get better the longer they sit.

    This BBQ side dish can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, well covered, in the refrigerator.

    How long can this chilled pasta side dish be kept in the refrigerator?

    If stored in an air-tight container, this pasta dish can remain fresh for up to 7 days.

    What other vegetables can be used in this pasta salad side dish?

    • green or yellow zucchini, chopped
    • blanched green beans
    • garbanzo beans
    • blanched broccoli florets
    • red bell peppers, chopped
    • what are some of your favorites?

    Can this chilled Italian pasta salad be frozen?

    No! At least I've never tried it, and I don't recommend it.

    Due to the fresh ingredients (grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil), I doubt their texture would be good upon thawing.

    This Italian shell pasta salad is best when refrigerated only!

    Do I have to use fresh mozzarella in this recipe? Would shredded mozzarella also work?

    It's your call, really. But I suggest the fresh mozzarella for its creamy consistency and mild flavor.

    Using fresh mozzarella cheese is a beautiful contrast of textures against the bite of the cherry tomatoes, and fresh bell peppers and onions.

    Want tons of other BBQ side dish recipes you can really sink your teeth into? Check out the following:

    Popular BBQ Side Dish Recipe Roundup - (pictured below) from all your favorite food bloggers from around the web!

    "With the help of this BBQ Side Dishes recipe roundup, your BBQ menu will keep your family and friends very full, and extremely happy!"

    Closeup vertical image of cooked shell pasta with tomatoes and basil. Italian shell pasta salad chilled bbq side dish recipe.

    Glass bowl filled with Italian Shell Pasta Salad with fresh basil leaves and a red and white checked napkin underneath.

     

    The easy instructions for make-ahead chilled Italian pasta salad:

    • Cook the medium shell pasta according to the package directions, minus 2 minutes.
    • Drain.
    • Add the Italian dressing to the cooked and drained pasta along with diced green bell pepper, and diced red onion.
    Making Italian Shell Pasta Salad
    • Add a touch of extra virgin olive oil and black pepper.
    • Stir well to combine.
    • Allow the pasta to cool for 20 minutes.
    Cold Italian Shell Pasta Salad
    • Once the pasta has cooled, add grape tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and the mozzarella cheese balls.
    • Stir well to combine.
    • Refrigerate the salad at least 1 hour, but longer is better.
    • Garnish the pasta salad with freshly chopped basil and serve cold.
    Assembling Italian Shell Pasta Salad


    Closeup photo of shell pasta salad and fresh basil leaves with a title text overlay.

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for today's make-ahead side dish for Italian shell pasta salad.

    Cold Italian Shell Pasta Salad

    Italian Shell Pasta Salad

    Renee Goerger
    Italian Shell Pasta Salad comes together quickly with the help of store-bought bottled Italian dressing. It's wonderful as a chilled side dish or vegetarian main course.
    4.80 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    chill time 1 hr
    Course BBQ Side dish, Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian Cuisine
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 246 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 pound shell pasta cooked 2 minutes less than package directions, and drained.
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • ¾ cup bottled Italian dressing
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • ¾ cup bell pepper seeded and small diced
    • ¾ cup red onion small diced
    • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
    • 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
    • 2 8-ounce containters mozzarella Fresca (cherry size), drained
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add the Italian dressing and the olive oil to the hot cooked and drained pasta.
    • Stir in the black pepper, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano.
    • Allow the pasta to cool for 20 minutes.
    • Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the pasta.
    • Stir well to combine.
    • Season with additional salt if needed.
    • Spoon the pasta salad into a large serving bowl.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 60 minutes.
    • Right before serving stir in the fresh basil leaves, and additional Italian dressing if needed.
    • Serve cold.

    Notes

    Tools and equipment:
    large pasta pot, colander, wooden spoons, cutting board, paring knife, chef's knife, measuring cups, large bowl for serving
     
    Add in suggestions:
    cooked chicken, cooked turkey, cubed salami, cooked ham, tuna fish, cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, capers, artichokes, garbanzo beans
    Additional vegetable suggestions:
    blanched green beans, green zucchini, yellow zucchini, blanched broccoli, red bell pepper

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 555IUVitamin C: 16.2mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 0.9mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's BBQ side dish recipe for this cold Italian Shell Pasta Salad as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

    Custom Renee Signature

    More Vegetable Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      June 17, 2022 at 8:27 am

      You left the tomatoes out of your ingredient list.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 17, 2022 at 8:43 am

        Sorry about that, Andrea. I've since corrected it.
        Thankfully the printable recipe card didn't have the same error.
        Thank you for kindly letting me know. I appreciate it.
        Take care,
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Jeremy says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:43 am

      It looks super delish. Pasta salads are my all-time favorite. I gave it a try and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    3. wilhelmina says

      February 10, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      I made a batch of this Friday to go with some grilled chicken and we loved it! We snacked on the leftovers all weekend!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        February 11, 2020 at 8:17 am

        I'd love to snack on some right now. I guess I need to make it again, STAT. Thanks, Wilhelmina!

        Reply
    4. Sandi says

      February 10, 2020 at 4:50 pm

      This salad was the hit of our potluck! It tasted great!

      Reply
    5. debi at Life Currents says

      July 17, 2019 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      I have a backyard party coming up in a couple weeks that I have to bring a dish for. I think I might bring this. It looks great! Thanks for the help!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 18, 2019 at 10:48 am

        I can guarantee it will be a big hit, Debi! Enjoy!!

        Reply
    6. Dara Michalski says

      July 17, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      Summer in a bowl! We made this pasta salad for a picnic last week. Not only was it really easy to make, but my family loved the mozzarella and tomato combo.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 18, 2019 at 10:49 am

        That's a great way to describe it, Dara! Especially with garden fresh tomatoes and basil! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Tanya Schroeder says

      July 17, 2019 at 9:58 am

      This is such a great side for all my BBQ's!!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 18, 2019 at 10:49 am

        Such a true story. Thanks, Tanya!!

        Reply
    8. Alyssa says

      July 17, 2019 at 9:15 am

      5 stars
      This salad is easy to make and delicious with leftover grilled chicken for dinner. Definitely a repeat!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 17, 2019 at 9:18 am

        I love adding chicken to this salad too, Alyssa! Good to hear!

        Reply
    9. Linda says

      May 05, 2019 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      So easy, so delicious and just in time for summer barbecues. I love pasta salads and caprese salads so this one is really checking off all my boxes. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        May 05, 2019 at 11:28 am

        Better grab a big spoon! You're going to love this, Linda!!

        Reply
    10. Willie says

      May 05, 2019 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      This salad has all of my favorite summer flavors!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        May 05, 2019 at 11:27 am

        That's great to hear. Enjoy!!

        Reply
    11. Beth says

      May 04, 2019 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      I too head straight for the cold pasta salads! If this dish is being served, I may or may not take the whole bowl - delish!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        May 04, 2019 at 4:50 pm

        You are a girl after my own heart, Beth! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Jessica says

      April 26, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      Tis the season for cold pasta salads and this one did not disappoint I made it for a work party and everyone loved it!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 26, 2019 at 1:26 pm

        Love hearing that! Thanks, Jessica!!!

        Reply
      • Renée says

        April 27, 2019 at 8:30 am

        Awesome. Love hearing that, Jessica. It's always a popular dish and one of the first to be eaten!

        Reply
    13. wilhelmina says

      April 26, 2019 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      This pasta salad will be at all of our summer parties! Yum!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 26, 2019 at 1:25 pm

        I knew I liked you, Wilhelmina! 😉

        Reply
    14. Renée says

      June 08, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      Thank you so much, Rose 🙂

      Reply
    15. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

      June 07, 2016 at 2:10 am

      I'm going to go have to go ahead and agree with you that nothing beats fresh mozzarella. This pasta salad looks divine!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:50 am

        Thank you so much. Fresh mozzarella, rocks!

        Reply
    16. Kim Beaulieu says

      June 07, 2016 at 12:15 am

      I love shell pasta so I'm totally in love with this recipe. It's perfect for summer picnic or to bring to a potluck. Great photos.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:50 am

        Thank you very much, Kim. That means a lot to me, coming from you!

        Reply
    17. Ginny McMeans says

      June 06, 2016 at 11:01 pm

      You made a wonderful pasta salad here and I am really looking forward to it!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:51 am

        Thanks, Ginny. I hope you love it!

        Reply
    18. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 06, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      This is such a perfect Summer salad for barbecues and potlucks!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:52 am

        It really is, Kimberly. It's even better the next day. Gotta love pasta!

        Reply
    19. Jessica - The Novice Chef says

      June 06, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      Pasta salad is one of my favorite things! Can't wait to try this one!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:52 am

        I know you'll love it, Jessica.

        Reply
    20. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

      June 06, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      The name of this salad sold me right away but your suggestion of adding salami - yes! I am totally in!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:53 am

        Next time I make it I'll be adding salami for sure. Or bacon. Maybe bacon! Thanks, Anna!

        Reply
    21. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says

      June 06, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      I rarely use shell pasta but it looks perfect in this salad! Love how quick and easy it is.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:53 am

        I don't use shell pasta often but this time I knew it would be the perfect fit! Thanks, Valerie.

        Reply
    22. The Food Hunter says

      June 06, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      I want to bring this to every summer picnic this year!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:54 am

        I think you should! LOL Every one!

        Reply
    23. Meg @ With Salt and Wit says

      June 06, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Wow this salad not only looks amazing but it looks refreshing!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:54 am

        That's a great way to describe it, Meg. Refreshing. It really is!

        Reply
    24. Stephanie says

      June 06, 2016 at 10:15 am

      I love salads like this. Perfect for summer!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 07, 2016 at 6:55 am

        Thanks, Stephanie.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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