This Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Combining tender rotini pasta with crisp vegetables, savory mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing, it offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or as a make-ahead meal, this salad is both simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after marinating, making it an excellent option for meal prep or gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at potlucks and barbecues, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) box tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the red and green bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella balls.
- Add Dressing and Herbs: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
- Chill Time: At least 2 hours.
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate diced salami, pepperoni, or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with feta or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like cucumbers, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots to enhance texture and nutrition.
- Dressing Options: Use a homemade Italian dressing or a different vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it has been refrigerated for an extended period, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, allowing it to chill for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors as the ingredients marinate in the dressing.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Tri-color rotini is recommended for its appealing appearance and ability to hold onto the dressing, but other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can also be used.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While mozzarella balls are traditional, feta cheese, cheddar cubes, or even a dairy-free alternative can be used based on your preference.
How can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, following the package instructions for cooking.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, omit the mozzarella balls or replace them with a plant-based cheese alternative, and ensure that the Italian dressing used is vegan-friendly.
What can I do if the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration?
If the salad appears dry after being refrigerated, add a little more Italian dressing and toss to refresh the flavors and moisture.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing pasta salad is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after being refrigerated for a few days.
How long can this pasta salad sit out at room temperature?
For food safety, it’s advisable not to leave the pasta salad
Print
Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is the ultimate side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prep. Featuring tri-color rotini, crisp vegetables, mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) box tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 8 oz small mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1 (1-pound) box tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 8 oz small mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Notes
- Protein Additions: Diced salami, pepperoni, or grilled chicken can be added for a heartier dish.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with feta or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Veggie Options: Try cucumbers, shredded carrots, or broccoli florets for added crunch.
- Dressing Refresh: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle additional Italian dressing and toss before serving.
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