What Are the 4 Classic Italian Pasta Dishes?

The four classic Italian pasta dishes—known as the "Roman Four"—are foundational to Italy’s culinary heritage: Cacio e Pepe: Pasta with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Carbonara: Pasta, usually spaghetti, with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale, and black pepper. Amatriciana: Pasta with guanciale, tomato sauce, and Pecorino Romano. Gricia: Considered a precursor to Carbonara, using guanciale and Pecorino Romano without eggs or tomato. While Italian pasta salad isn’t traditionally one of the Roman Four, its roots in fresh ingredients and simple techniques make it a modern classic.

What Do You Put in an Italian Pasta Salad?

Italian pasta salad includes a combination of pasta, vegetables, proteins, cheeses, and a vinaigrette dressing. Standard ingredients are: Rotini or fusilli pasta Cherry tomatoes Bell peppers Shallots Marinated artichoke hearts Kalamata olives Pepperoncini Salami Mozzarella cheese Fresh parsley and basil Olive oil-based dressing with vinegar, garlic, and herbs You can customize it with regional add-ins like capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted eggplant.

What Is Pasta Salad Called in Italy?

In Italy, pasta salad is generally referred to as “Insalata di Pasta.” While it doesn’t hold the same iconic status as hot pasta dishes, Insalata di Pasta is popular in the summer months. It’s commonly served at picnics and family gatherings, often featuring fresh vegetables and lighter dressings.

What Are Classic Italian Pasta Dishes?

Besides the Roman Four mentioned earlier, other widely loved Italian pasta dishes include: Lasagna: Layered pasta with béchamel, ragù, and cheese. Pesto alla Genovese: Pasta with basil pesto sauce, often using trofie or linguine. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A simple dish with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Ravioli: Stuffed pasta filled with ricotta, spinach, or meat. These classics, like Italian pasta salad, reflect Italy’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared simply but skillfully.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipes: The Ultimate Guide with Classic Tips

Description

Italian Pasta Salad—make the best version with this ultimate guide. Easy, fresh, and full of classic Italian ingredients.

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper, cored and chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, chopped
6 to 8 ounces salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, torn into chunks
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously add salt.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add tomatoes, bell pepper, shallot, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, parsley, and basil to the pasta.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.