Stacked Italian Pasta Salad is a bold, colorful twist on the classic pasta salad—layered with Italian-inspired flavors that make it as beautiful to serve as it is satisfying to eat. Think of it as an antipasto platter meets pasta salad: hearty, fresh, and packed with savory bites in every forkful.
This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, and family gatherings. The stacked presentation keeps everything vibrant and distinct, while a zesty Italian dressing ties it all together. It’s a make-ahead favorite that tastes even better once the flavors have time to mingle.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Prep time is 20 minutes, with 10 minutes of cooking time for the pasta.
Ingredients
You’ll need 1 pound short pasta such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.
For the layers, prepare 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup sliced black or kalamata olives, 1 cup diced cucumber, and ½ cup thinly sliced red onion.
Add 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella, ¾ cup sliced pepperoni or salami, and ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced.
Finish with ½ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese and 1 to 1¼ cups Italian dressing.
Optional additions include chopped fresh basil or parsley, and salt and black pepper, to taste.
Preparation
Cook the pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.
In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, begin layering the salad. Start with a layer of pasta, then drizzle lightly with Italian dressing. Add a layer of tomatoes, followed by olives, cucumber, and red onion. Continue with mozzarella, meats, and roasted red peppers.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pasta on top. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Serving Suggestions
Just before serving, gently toss the salad if desired or leave it layered for presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or crusty bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Stacked Italian Pasta Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Why This Salad Always Wins
This isn’t your average pasta salad. It’s hearty without being heavy, fresh but full of bold flavor, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Stacked Italian Pasta Salad brings color, texture, and classic Italian comfort to the table—making it a guaranteed crowd favorite every time.
Enjoy!!!
