This easy pasta salad is perfect for feeding a crowd! With colorful veggies, chewy pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s fun, fresh, and oh-so-tasty.
When I make this, I know it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together—great for potlucks or BBQs. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: Visually appealing and fun to eat! You can swap it for any short pasta like penne or fusilli if needed, just keep the cooking time in mind.
Cherry tomatoes: They’re sweet and juicy. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes work too; just drain some excess juice to keep your salad from getting soggy.
Bell peppers: Red and green add color and crunch. Yellow or orange peppers can be a nice swap for sweetness.
Black olives: They add a salty punch! If olives aren’t your thing, try sliced cucumbers for crunch.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a soft texture, but cheddar adds a sharper flavor. Feel free to mix both or use feta for a tangy twist.
Italian dressing: Store-bought is convenient, but making homemade is easy! Just whisk olive oil, vinegar, and spices together if you want more control over flavors.
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta Salad is Flavorful and Fresh?
The secret to a delicious pasta salad lies in how you mix and chill it. Start with cooking the pasta al dente, so it holds its shape. Rinsing it helps cool it down and stops the cooking, preventing mushiness.
- Mix cooled pasta with fresh veggies and cheeses before you add the dressing. This allows you to distribute everything evenly.
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning! Sometimes a sprinkle more salt or a dash of vinegar can brighten everything up.
Enjoy this crowd-pleaser at any gathering! It’s always a hit.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to chill. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the tri-color rotini pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl (or a disposable aluminum tray if you want easy cleanup), combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced red and green bell peppers, sliced black olives, cubed cheese, diced celery, and chopped red onion (if you’re using it). It’s a colorful mix!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will add lots of flavor to your salad!
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
5. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the pasta salad chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors mix nicely!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste it and adjust any seasoning if needed; you might want a little extra salt or pepper.
And there you have it! This pasta salad is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you need a simple, crowd-pleasing side. Enjoy! 🍝
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free rotini or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your pasta salad can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If the pasta soaks up too much dressing over time, you can add a little extra dressing before serving to refresh it.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize the veggies! Consider adding diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even some roasted bell peppers for added flavor and crunch. Get creative with whatever veggies you love!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative and ensure your Italian dressing is vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan pasta salad!
