If you’re craving something vibrant, refreshing, and effortlessly tasty, you have to try this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that sparkles with color and bursts with flavor, combining perfectly cooked rotini pasta with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and the bright zest of Italian dressing. Whether you’re packing a picnic, looking for a quick lunch, or need a crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, this salad hits all the right notes every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet wonderfully harmonious together—the heart of this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe lies in their balance of fresh, crunchy, creamy, and savory elements that make every bite a delight.
- 16 ounces rotini pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the Italian dressing and bits of veggies, ensuring flavor in every forkful.
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the richer ingredients.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy pops of red that brighten both taste and appearance.
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Offers a mild bite and a touch of sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 cup Italian dressing: The zesty, herbaceous magic that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy—feta delivers a lovely depth and richness.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Adds a briny undertone that complements the other flavors.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of fresh herbal brightness and a touch of green.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The finishing seasoning that elevates the entire salad.
How to Make Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Begin by boiling salted water to cook your rotini pasta until it’s al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a little bite to it. This texture will keep your salad from becoming mushy after chilling. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for mixing.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, chop your cucumber, grape tomatoes, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion so its flavor is evenly distributed without overpowering any single bite. These fresh morsels add fantastic crunch and vibrant colors that make this salad irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl
In a spacious bowl, mix the cooled pasta with your freshly chopped vegetables. Pour in the Italian dressing to infuse every piece with zesty, herby flavor. Then fold in crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, making sure every element is perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly so the dressing coats each piece of pasta and vegetable. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, though you can also serve it immediately if you’re in a hurry.
How to Serve Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few whole basil leaves on top adds a lovely fresh aroma and an appealing pop of color right before serving. You can even add a few shavings of Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch that brings out the Italian vibes.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple crusty bread. It makes for a wonderful light main course or a satisfying side that brightens any summer barbecue or picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe in a large glass bowl to highlight its mosaic of colors, or portion it into individual mason jars for a charming and portable option. You can also layer it atop a bed of leafy greens to add some extra texture and make the salad feel even more substantial.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing this pasta salad isn’t recommended. Freezing would alter the texture, especially of the crisp veggies and delicate cheese, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply give it a gentle toss after taking it out of the fridge to refresh the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is excellent for catching the dressing, penne, farfalle, or fusilli work just as well. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente to maintain the perfect texture in your salad.
Is it possible to make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Check your Italian dressing as well to ensure it is vegan-friendly, or make your own at home easily.
How long should I marinate the salad before serving?
Chilling the pasta salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to mingle beautifully, but if you’re short on time, serving it immediately still tastes delicious. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Can I add protein to make this a fuller meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent protein additions that complement the fresh veggies and tangy dressing perfectly.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh herbs really make a difference in this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe. Alternatively, fresh basil or chives would add a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on this bright and flavorful Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip it up. It’s such a simple recipe that delivers a big punch, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a fresh, easy meal any time. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with fresh cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and a zesty Italian dressing, topped with crumbled feta cheese and black olives for a perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors. Ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or as a side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Add Italian dressing, crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Toss and Chill: Toss all ingredients together until well mixed and evenly coated in dressing. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or radishes.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing based on your preference for sauciness.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
