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Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

4.9 from 16 reviews

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Packed with veggies, cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta

Veggies:

  • 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber)
  • 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/21 cup Italian salad dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to salt the pasta water. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool.
  2. Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and red onion. Pour 1/2 – 1 cup of Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Adjust the dressing to taste.
  3. Chill and Serve: The salad can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for 2-4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Add more dressing before serving if needed.

Notes

  • This salad can be customized with additional vegetables or protein like grilled chicken.
  • Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Pasta Salad, Italian Recipe, Vegetarian Salad