Pasta Fredda {Easy Italian Cold Pasta Salad Recipe}

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Looking for an easy recipe that'll keep you cool on your lunch break, BBQ, or Summer dinner? Then this pasta fredda recipe, (AKA cold pasta salad) is the answer!

Cooked pasta is tossed in a delicious homemade Italian dressing with herbs and a sweetcorn, onion, and tomato mixture. And it's perfect with a chilled glass of wine!

large white and blue enamel serving bowl full of Italian pasta fredda salad recipe with wooden spoon surrounded by mozzarella, oil and fresh pasta

It can be challenging cooking in the kitchen during the hot Summer season. But a super easy way to save the day is this pasta fredda!

It's one of the easiest and most affordable pasta recipes that can be enjoyed as a main single dish or side with boiled, steamed, or grilled vegetables and some crusty bread for scooping up the flavours.

But the real hero is the quick pesto sauce made with lots of extra virgin olive oil. I use a mix of dried herbs and pesto from a jar for quickness and save fresh herbs for tearing as a final garnish.

I've also carefully measured this easy recipe in measured in cups and grams so you can enjoy it wherever you are in the world!

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✔️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
🛒 Ingredient Notes
📋 Instructions
👩‍🍳 Substitutions
⚖️ Variations
🔪 Equipment
❄️ Storage
💡Pro Tips
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
❓ FAQ
➕ More Pasta Recipes
🍽️Pairing
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

✔️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

Here are a handful of reasons why we think this recipe for pasta fredda will become one of your regular family dinner recipes:

It's quick and easy to make - just mix a dressing and mix with cooked pasta and stir in your chosen vegetables
Great for preparing ahead of time - as it is traditionally served cold, cooking the day before is perfect
It's perfect for picnics and BBQs - as it's eaten cold, it doesn't need to be kept warm and travels well in containers. You can portion it off in lunch boxes, or leave it in a serving bowl to serve with grilled meats, etc where everyone can help themselves
Refreshing and light for summer - it can keep you cool on a hot day.
Versatile for customising - whether you're vegetarian or vegan, you can quickly swap out the cheeses. Add any herbs, spices, and your children's favourite vegetables. And stir in whatever meat you want
It's nutritious and healthy - the wholewheat pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fibre. The vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. The oil offers healthy fats while the cheese provides protein and calcium. Also, did you know that eating cold pasta causes a slightly lower rise in blood sugar levels?
It's delicious and affordable - the base of the ingredients are cheap, but you can use luxurious ingredients if you wish. Or use leftover cooked pasta, roast meats, etc
Can be eaten as a main dinner, light lunch, side dish, easy snack or party food

🛒 Ingredient Notes

Please see the printable recipe card with exact ingredient quantities and preparation instructions at the bottom of this post.

labelled ingredients for heathy Italian cold pasta salad

Extra virgin olive oil - this makes the pasta smoother and more palatable while eating and also prevents the pasta from sticking while cooling. It might seem a lot of oil in one dish, but don't forget that is a very healthy fat rich in anti-inflammatory properties

Green pesto - this is to add quicky herby flavour to the sauce while saving on finely chopping fresh basil leaves, but feel free to a homemade green pesto which I often enjoy with gnocchi. You can add as little or as much as you like

Oregano - I use dried oregano because I usually have it in my spice rack. Also, if you don't have a well stocked herb garden, fresh oregano isn't available in most UK grocery stores

Balsamic vinegar - for sweet acidity, or you can swap for sherry, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with mother for extra health benefits

Lemon - I use lemon zest and lemon juice to add tangy flavour an vitamin C. Or use orange zest and juice for more anti-inflammatory properties (phytochemicals and flavonoids) to support arthitis

Fusilli pasta - we use dried wholewheat fusilli for a more nutritious and hearty pasta salad recipe as it has more fibre than traditional pasta that is made with refined flour

Seasoning - this is a pinch of salt and ground pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes - to naturally sweeten the pasta and add a juicy bite. They are also packed with vitamins A, C, potassium, and extra fibre

Mozzarella cheese - I use Bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), but you can serve it with torn up Mozzarella or slices from a large ball.

Sweetcorn - this is canned sweetcorn, or you can use frozen and cook at the same time as the pasta

Red onion - to add a sweet tangy crunch and more nutrition than green or yellow onions. Or even better, use some shallots

Fresh basil leaves - I garnish at the end for fresh flavour, but you can also finely chop and stir into the vinaigrette dressing instead

Parmesan - or any grated hard cheese for its strong flavour

Green olives - or you could use a mix of this and black olives, and capers

Optional Meats

Any cooked meat cut into bite sized pieces, sliced Italian sausage, pepperoni, tuna, or a salmon pasta etc

large white bowl full of chopped salad ingredients to stir into cold wholewheat fusilli pasta

📋 Instructions

You can find my step-by-step instructions on how to prepare cold pasta below. But don't forget, there is a video you can follow on the recipe card if you want a helping hand.

person whisking extra virgin olive oil, herb, pesto and balsamic vinegar for an easy pasta dressing

1. The first thing we need to do is make the dressing.

Together in a small bowl, add all but 2 tablespoon of the oil, lemon, zest, vinegar, pesto salt and black pepper, and the oregano.

Mix well, then leave in the fridge until you are ready to drizzle.

person boiling wholewheat fusilli pasta in a large pan of salted water

2. For the cold pasta preparation, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil.

Then add the pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente.

This means it must have a slightly chewy bite as it will soften slightly with the dressing later.

person drizzling extra virgin olive oil into cooked and drained al dente pasta

3. Drain the pasta in a colander.

Then immediately run it under the tap for a jet of cold water to stop the cooking including the hot pan.

Then place the pasta back in the pan and stir in the remaining oil to prevent it from sticking and leave until room temperature.

person drizzling a herby vinaigrette over olives, tomatoes, onions and sweetcorn cold pasta underneath in a large serving bowl

4. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl or pot for serving.

Then add the rest of the ingredients and your cold dressing with aromatic herbs and toss well.

Then serve with mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Tip: feel free to stir in cooked meats like sausage, salmon, or tuna for extra protein.

close up of mozzarella balls, fresh basil, grated parmesan, tomatoes, red onions and green olives in a large serving bowl

👩‍🍳 Substitutions

Depending on your dietary needs, here are a few simple swaps you can make to this fredda pasta:

Sweetcorn - swap for garden peas that you can add to the pan of cooking pasta halfway through, or swap for 400g of frozen mixed vegetables for the easiest fusilli salad. Or stir in a diced bell pepper or two or simply grilled or roasted vegetables
Fussili - swap for any kind of pasta you have, or Gluten Free pasta. But an important rule for pasta fredda is to choose a type of short pasta that will keep its bite after resting in the sauce. You can use mezze penne, penne, rotini, or farfalle (bow tie pasta).
Or make a rice salad if more convenient, or focus on low carb pasta if preferred
Pesto - if you don't want to use store bought pesto, then you can make your own rocket pesto recipe
Parmesan - for a plant based vegan pasta salad, swap for a strong flavoured dairy-free cheese, or stir in some nutritional yeast. For vegetarian, choose an Italian cheese without animal rennet
Extra virgin olive oil - for a light pasta salad if following a weight loss plan such as Slimming World, you might prefer making a fat free vinaigrette or swap half the oil for a pasta water dressing with vinegar
Basil and oregano - use different herbs and spices that you like, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder
Mozzarella - you can use different cheeses such as feta, goats cheese, or a Swiss cheese such as diced Emmental with a tasty firm texture, or opt for gouda, gruyere or edam cheese

2 bowls of pasta freddo, each served with different meats like sliced cooked sausage and tuna flakes and crusty herby bread

⚖️ Variations

Here are some different ways you can enhance and truly personalise this recipe:

Tuna pasta salad with red wine vinegar - once you have your base, you could stir in canned tuna fish in oil and a splash of apple cider or red wine vinegar. Or make a cold tuna pasta salad with mayo or yogurt
Fettuccine al freddo - use fettuccine for cold noodles instead
Creamy pasta fredda - you can make a low carb alfredo sauce in the slow cooker or stove top and make a chicken alfredo
Shrimps - stir in some 1 pound (450g) of cooked baby or king prawns (shrimps)
Carbonara - once you've drained your pasta, stir in a healthy carbonara sauce
Chicken salad pasta - you can stir in cooked chicken for a well loved salad
Tomato - add a splash of tomato sauce such as tomato puree or ketchup if preferred and lots of delicious sundried tomatoes. Or make a passata pasta
Deluxe - feel free to stir in some maple syrup, honey or a pomegranate molasses dressing for some extra sweetness and sprinkle with some toasted pine nuts
Pasta and bean salad - mix in some cooked beans to the salad for a more protein-rich meal
Grilled vegetable pasta salad - instead of fresh salad, grill some aubergine (eggplant) and courgette (zucchini) slices, artichoke hearts, etc
Pasta Fredda with roasted vegetables - roast a variety of vegetables in oil for a deliciously sweet and charred taste
Spicy - add some heat by stirring in some fresh red chilli slices or a pinch of red chili flakes

If you like cold pasta recipes, you might also enjoy this honey and mustard chicken pasta recipe cold.

close up of cooked sliced sausage pasta freddo in one bowl and cold pasta with tuna in the other

🔪 Equipment

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❄️ Storage

Storing - if you have lots of leftover cold pasta, it can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You may want to add more herbs and dressing closer to the time of eating at the freshest taste

Freezing - cool to room temperature and again, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

💡Pro Tips

Don't overcook the pasta as it will become mushy and will not hold the salad well. I recommend 7-8 minutes for al dente
Use the best ingredients you can for the best cold pasta salad, such as ripe tomatoes and other vegetables in season, fresh herbs, etc
Add oil to the pasta after draining and while it cools. This will prevent them from sticking to each other
Garnish the salad for the best taste with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley and a good grating of strong cheese

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread - a great way to enjoy it is with some delicious cheesy bread or pitta bread pizza to mop up the sauces

BBQ - it is perfect as an easy side dish for chargrilled chicken, beef burgers, corn on the cob, hotdogs, steak, and more

Picnic - team up with an array of finger food such as toasted sandwiches, air fried pizza rolls, or easy homemade pepperoni pizza

Salad - it's great for serving with a large Mediterranean side salad on the side with more olives, onions, tomatoes, and leafy greens

Pasta frittata - you can make a leftover pasta frittata pizza by mixing with eggs, and topping with pizza sauce, cheese and your favourite pizza toppings

Vegetables - serving with more vegetables is another great way to enjoy. We like cooked asparagus, garden peas, spiralised courgettes, roated aubergine and tahini sour cream, etc

❓ FAQ

What type of pasta should I use for pasta fredda?

You can use any type of pasta that you like, but short pasta is the best for this dish. Short pasta holds better to the heavier salad ingredients, making it will be easier to eat. Some other good options include penne, rotini, or farfalle.

What vegetables should I use in my pasta salad?

You can use any vegetables that you like, but some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables. If you are using roasted vegetables, make sure to cool them completely before adding them to the salad.

What dressing should I use?

You can use any dressing that you like, but a vinaigrette dressing or pesto is very popular. Feel free to get creative with a touch of sweetness, vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, herbs for flavour and oil to make it nutritious and palatable.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, eating cold pasta is healthier than eating hot pasta as the body treats it as a source of fibre than sugar for energy.

What are the best wines to eat with pasta fredda?

The fresh salad in pasta freddo makes it great for wining and dining with a light and crisp glass of pinot grigio. Or you could enjoy it with a sauvignon blanc.

The cheeses and meat if using also team perfectly with a red wine such as merlot.

Also, with the abundance of olives, their briny tastes are perfect with a pinot grigio blush or other dry or sparkling rosé wines.

Is pasta considered healthy?

Pasta can be eaten as part of a healthy diet, but not all pasta is equal in nutrition. Whole wheat pasta is a better source of fibre and has a lower glycaemic index than white, making it better for blood sugar control.

Also, not a lot of people know this, but an experiment funded by Diabetes UK and run by Dr Chris van Tulleken proved that the body treats eating cold pasta higher in fibre than hot cooked pasta, which is higher in carbohydrates. You can read more here about how it is classed as a "resistant starch"

➕ More Pasta Recipes

Looking for more family pasta dishes? Why not try these?

🍽️Pairing

Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve with pasta:

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