Why Make This Recipe
Pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and flavorful ingredients, this Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is not just easy to make but also deliciously refreshing. The combination of pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing makes it a fulfilling dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days.
How to Make The Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve cold.
How to Serve The Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Serve this pasta salad cold as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread. For best results, serve it after chilling to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Store The Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta salad can last for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after being stored, feel free to add a drizzle more of Italian dressing before serving.
Tips to Make The Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- For extra flavor, let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling dish.
- Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
Variation
Feel free to swap out the feta cheese for mozzarella or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version. You can also replace the Italian dressing with a vinaigrette or homemade dressing to experiment with flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Rotini and penne are great choices because they hold the dressing well.
2. Is this pasta salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time.
3. How can I make it spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, consider mixing in sliced jalapeños or adding red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad perfect for picnics and gatherings, combining pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve cold.
Notes
This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, keeping well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a drizzle of dressing before serving if it seems dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cold Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, side dish, summer salad, picnic recipe