Italian Sub Pasta Salad brings together all the bold flavours of a classic Italian deli sandwich in a refreshing, hearty pasta salad. Tender rotini pasta is tossed with savoury turkey deli meats, creamy mozzarella, crisp vegetables and a rich homemade Italian dressing that coats every bite with irresistible flavour.

Perfect for summer cookouts, family picnics, potlucks or easy meal prep, this colourful salad is satisfying enough to serve as a main course while also making an excellent side dish. Best of all, it tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavours to blend beautifully.

Whether you’re preparing lunch for the week or feeding a crowd, this easy pasta salad is guaranteed to become a favourite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is easy to prepare, packed with protein and loaded with fresh vegetables. The creamy Italian dressing adds rich flavour without overpowering the fresh ingredients, and the recipe can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. Every bite delivers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy and savoury textures.

What Does Italian Sub Pasta Salad Taste Like?

The pasta is tender and coated in a creamy, tangy dressing with hints of garlic, herbs and Parmesan. Turkey salami, turkey deli ham and turkey pepperoni add savoury richness, while mozzarella contributes a mild creaminess. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and banana peppers bring freshness and crunch, creating a perfectly balanced salad.

Benefits of This Recipe

This salad offers plenty of protein from the turkey deli meats and mozzarella cheese while fresh vegetables contribute vitamins, fibre and colour. Preparing it ahead of time makes it ideal for meal prep, and it’s easy to customize with your favourite vegetables or cheeses.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

Ingredient	Amount
Rotini pasta (tri-colour or regular)	1 lb (450 g)
Turkey salami, sliced into strips	1 cup
Turkey deli ham, chopped	1 cup
Turkey pepperoni, halved	1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, cubed	1 cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved	1 cup
Cucumber, diced	1 cup
Red onion, finely diced	½ cup
Banana pepper rings	½ cup
Black olives (optional)	¼ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped	¼ cup

Creamy Italian Dressing

Ingredient	Amount
Mayonnaise	½ cup
Italian dressing	¼ cup
Grated Parmesan cheese	2 tbsp
Red wine vinegar	1 tbsp
Dijon mustard	1 tsp
Italian seasoning	1 tsp
Garlic powder	½ tsp
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need a large stockpot, colander, large mixing bowl, medium bowl, whisk, cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, and serving bowl.

Ingredient Variations

Swap the rotini for bowtie or penne pasta. Provolone or cheddar cheese can replace mozzarella, while roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or spinach make delicious additions. For extra freshness, stir in chopped basil or oregano just before serving.

How to Make Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water and allow the pasta to cool completely.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, turkey salami, turkey deli ham, turkey pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, banana peppers, black olives and parsley.

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until every ingredient is evenly coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.

Before serving, toss the salad once more and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled chicken, garlic bread, roasted vegetables or fresh fruit. It’s also perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks and packed lunches.

Expert Tips

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Chill the salad before serving for the best flavour, and reserve a little dressing to stir in just before serving if making it a day ahead.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing during storage. This salad is not recommended for freezing.

Recipe Information

Detail	Value
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Chill Time	30 minutes
Total Time	1 hour
Servings	8
Difficulty	Easy
Course	Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine	Italian-American

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	510
Protein	24 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Fat	29 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fibre	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	720 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. It tastes even better after several hours in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, bowties or shells all work well.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes. Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.

How long does it last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to four days.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, roasted red peppers, artichokes and broccoli are all excellent additions.

Conclusion

Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a colourful, satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, savoury turkey deli meats, creamy mozzarella and crisp vegetables in a rich Italian-inspired dressing. Easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead and packed with bold flavours, it’s a versatile recipe that’s ideal for everything from casual lunches to family gatherings and summer celebrations.