Refreshing Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

There’s something undeniably delightful about a Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. Imagine twirling your fork around colorful pasta spirals, mingling with vibrant veggies and a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. zesty hummus recipe The combination of flavors—tangy, savory, and slightly sweet—creates a symphony that makes your mouth water just thinking about it.

This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family picnics, or even those lazy Sunday afternoons when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Just the aroma of the herbs and spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you craving more!

I still remember the first time I made this pasta salad for my cousin’s wedding reception. Everyone went back for seconds, and I might have been asked for the recipe more times than I can count!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use rotini or penne for great texture; they hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy; choose vibrant red ones for the best flavor.
• Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy; peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Bell Peppers: Use assorted colors like red, yellow, and green to add visual appeal. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced adds a sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Italian Dressing: Store-bought works great, but homemade elevates the flavors significantly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds richness; never skimp on cheese!
• Olives (optional): Black or green olives add a briny kick but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan. spicy coleslaw option.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While pasta cooks, chop up 1 cup each of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and thinly slice half an onion. The more colorful your mix, the better!

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with prepared vegetables. Toss gently to mix everything evenly without breaking any pasta pieces.

Add Dressing & Cheese: Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over the mixed salad. Add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is coated in that zesty goodness.

Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Give your salad a taste test! If you like more zing, add extra dressing or sprinkle with salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Chill & Serve!: Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

And there you have it! A refreshing Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing that’s as easy as pie—well, easier than pie if we’re being honest here! Whether it’s served at parties or enjoyed solo on movie night, this dish delights every time. spinach and feta patties complementary salad recipe Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then mix in your chopped veggies while the pasta cools. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grilled chicken for protein.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No need to reheat; serve cold!

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a sunny afternoon picnic where friends devoured every last bite. Their smiles were worth all the effort!

FAQ

What is the best pasta for pasta salad with Italian dressing?

For more inspiration, check out this strawberry spinach salad recipe.

Rotini or farfalle work best as they hold onto dressing and flavors remarkably well.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when flavors have time to develop overnight.

How long can I store leftovers of this dish?

Leftovers can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days without losing flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines colorful pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing to create a delightful medley of flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as an easy weeknight meal, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a visual feast that pleases both the eyes and the palate.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice red onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Toss gently.
4. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and mix in grated Parmesan cheese until well-coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg