Name: Ditalini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups ditalini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey or sugar; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are looking for a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delicious way to enjoy pasta, this Ditalini Pasta Salad is your new best friend. Tiny ditalini pasta perfectly paired with a colorful rainbow of fresh veggies, creamy mozzarella, and an herbaceous, tangy dressing deliver a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you want a quick lunch, a cheerful side to a summer barbecue, or a dish to impress at your next potluck, this Ditalini Pasta Salad is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ditalini Pasta Salad comes from its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays an important role, offering bursts of freshness, crunchy texture, or rich creaminess to balance the dish perfectly.

Ditalini pasta: Tiny tube-shaped pasta that holds the dressing and complements the texture beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add vibrant color and freshness.
Cucumber: Crisp and cooling, perfect for adding crunch and balance.
Red and green bell peppers: Their sweet, mild flavor and bright colors make the salad pop visually and taste-wise.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a touch of sharpness and bite.
Black olives: Sliced for a briny, savory accent that lifts the salad.
Mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella: Creamy and mild, they add richness and soften the sharper flavors.
Fresh parsley and basil: Herbs that bring freshness and an aromatic lift.
Olive oil: The base of the dressing, adding smoothness and depth.
Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing a bright tangy punch.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and emulsifies the dressing.
Honey or sugar: Balances acidity with gentle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced to add a savory aromatic note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

How to Make Ditalini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the ditalini pasta

Start by cooking 2 cups of ditalini pasta in boiling salted water following the package instructions until al dente. This small pasta is perfect because its shape holds dressing and flavors well. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside while you prepare the fresh vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables and cheese

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup sliced black olives, and 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella. Toss these vibrant vegetables and cheese together to create a colorful and refreshing base for the salad.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is where the flavors come alive, with a lovely balance of tanginess, sweetness, and aromatic garlic that will coat every part of the salad.

Step 4: Combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing

Add the cooled ditalini pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the flavorful dressing. This gives each bite a burst of herb-infused, zesty deliciousness.

Step 5: Chill before serving

Refrigerate the Ditalini Pasta Salad for at least one hour before serving. This resting time lets the flavors blend and mellow beautifully, making every mouthful even more enjoyable. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Ditalini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

You can elevate your Ditalini Pasta Salad with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a wonderful herbal aroma and makes the dish look even more inviting. For an extra touch, a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can also add a lovely finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines as a side dish to grilled meats like chicken, steak, or seafood, nicely balancing rich smoky flavors with its light freshness. It’s also a delicious partner for crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, consider serving the Ditalini Pasta Salad in individual mason jars or elegant glass bowls. Layer the salad or present it with a sprig of fresh herbs on top for a charming and personalized touch. It also works beautifully as a vibrant component on a buffet or picnic table, keeping things colorful and appetizing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ditalini Pasta Salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the salad from absorbing other fridge smells. The flavors often deepen after resting, so it can taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the texture of the fresh vegetables and mozzarella can become watery or mushy after thawing. To keep your salad perfect, avoid freezing and opt for refrigeration instead.

Reheating

Ditalini Pasta Salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off, allowing the flavors to shine at their best.

FAQs

Can I substitute other pasta for ditalini?

Absolutely! While ditalini is ideal for this salad because of its small size and shape, you can use other small pasta like elbow macaroni, small shells, or mini penne if ditalini is unavailable.

How long should I chill the pasta salad before serving?

Chilling for at least one hour is recommended so the flavors meld together. However, if you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes can work, but longer resting enhances the taste.

Can I add protein to the Ditalini Pasta Salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced salami are all fantastic additions to bulk up the salad and add extra flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of mozzarella?

If you want a different cheese, try feta for a tangier note or cubed sharp provolone for something richer. Soft cheeses work best to maintain the creamy contrast in the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The Ditalini Pasta Salad is convenient for meal prep since it holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better after a day. Just keep it chilled and give it a quick toss before eating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Ditalini Pasta Salad that makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of fresh, bright flavors, and offers a wonderful mix of textures that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re new to pasta salads or a longtime fan, I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen and at your table.