A simple, fresh, and flavorful pasta salad with a zesty Italian dressing, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light meal!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful & Tangy – The Italian dressing adds a bold, zesty kick to the pasta and veggies.
- Versatile – You can add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead – It’s the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, as the flavors meld together after chilling.
- Quick & Easy – Simple to prepare with minimal effort!
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:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool. - Prepare the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, slice and chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, thinly slice the onion, and slice the olives into rings. - Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese (if using). - Add the Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to develop.
- Add-ins: You can add proteins like grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Homemade Dressing: For extra flavor, try making your own Italian dressing using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and other herbs.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
A simple, fresh, and flavorful pasta salad with a zesty Italian dressing, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light meal!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious 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
-
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, slice and chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, thinly slice the onion, and slice the olives into rings. -
Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese (if using). -
Add the Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to develop.
- Add-ins: You can add proteins like grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Homemade Dressing: For extra flavor, try making your own Italian dressing using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and other herbs.
