This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for warm summer days! It combines colorful veggies, tasty olives, and zesty Italian dressing with delicious pasta for a refreshing meal.
It’s super easy to whip up—just cook the pasta, mix in the ingredients, and chill. Plus, it’s great for potlucks! I usually make extra so I can munch on it all week. Yum! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini or tri-color pasta adds fun shapes and colors to the salad. If you prefer a gluten-free option, try using quinoa pasta or any other gluten-free pasta.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds a nice pop. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work well too. Just remove the seeds to avoid extra moisture.
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing! For a different twist, try using a yellow squash or zucchini if cucumbers aren’t your favorite.
Pepperoni or Salami: These meats give a nice Italian flavor. You can leave them out for a vegetarian version, or swap them with diced grilled chicken for protein.
Italian Dressing: A store-bought option is quick, but homemade dressing adds a personal touch. Combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for a quick mix!
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad is Perfectly Chilled?
To make sure your pasta salad is cool and flavors meld together, follow these tips:
- After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps all the flavors blend together.
- Keep it covered, so it doesn’t dry out in the fridge.
- Before serving, give it another quick toss so the dressing coats everything evenly again.
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini or tri-color pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or salami (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. That makes it a quick dish to prepare and allows the flavors to mingle before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add your rotini or tri-color pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta from getting soggy.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, sliced olives, and pepperoni (if you’re using it). Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the beautiful colors and flavors!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture. This is where it gets tasty! Toss everything together gently so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. You want every bite to be flavorful!
4. Season and Chill:
Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing it in well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and get even better!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the pasta salad one more toss to mix everything together, and then it’s ready to serve. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or as a light meal on its own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add more fiber, while gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Just ensure to cook them according to their package instructions for the best results.
How Long Does Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Easy Italian Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand, such as asparagus, carrots, or even spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
What If I Don’t Have Italian Dressing?
No problem! You can easily make your own dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, and Italian herbs. Adjust the ingredients to your taste for a personal touch!
