This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a refreshing, quick, and easy dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side to any meal! The combination of tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Flavorful: Italian dressing brings bold flavors to the dish.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (16 oz) rotini or any pasta of your choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (optional)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as basil or parsley)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Spoon or spatula (for tossing)
How to Make Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables—halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, slice the onion, and cut the olives into rings.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese (if using).
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it one last toss. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Chill Time: The pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or green beans.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for a protein-packed version.
- Dressing: If using store-bought dressing, look for one that is high quality, or try making your own Italian dressing.
Storing & Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Refrigeration Tip: Make sure to toss the salad again before serving as the dressing may settle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or rotini works well in this salad.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to make it the day before you need it!
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Yes! Add grilled chicken, tuna, or even bacon for extra flavor and protein.
Conclusion
This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a must-try for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or turning it into a main, it’s sure to be a hit with its vibrant colors and refreshing, zesty taste!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a refreshing, quick, and easy dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side to any meal! The combination of tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that everyone will love.
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) rotini or any pasta of your choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (optional)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as basil or parsley)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables—halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, slice the onion, and cut the olives into rings.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese (if using).
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it one last toss. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Chill Time: The pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or green beans.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for a protein-packed version.
- Dressing: If using store-bought dressing, look for one that is high quality, or try making your own Italian dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
