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If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s effortlessly flavorful, colorful, and perfect for any occasion, you’ll love this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. With vibrant tricolor rotini pasta, fresh crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese all brought together by zesty Italian dressing, this salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to bring to picnics or potlucks. Let me share my enthusiasm for this endlessly versatile and satisfying pasta salad that makes getting dinner or a side dish on the table a total breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in bringing texture, flavor, and brightness to your salad. Think fresh veggies for crunch, pasta for a hearty base, feta for a creamy tang, and olives for that classic Mediterranean punch. The Italian dressing ties everything together with an herby, zesty finish.
- Tricolor rotini pasta (12 oz): The spiral shape holds the dressing perfectly while adding a burst of color.
- Cucumber (1 cup, peeled and seeded): Adds refreshing crunch and a cooling contrast to the bold flavors.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juiciness brightens every bite with natural sweetness.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Provides a mild bite and a hint of sharpness that balances the creaminess of the cheese.
- Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Briny and creamy, it’s key for adding richness and a Mediterranean flair.
- Sliced black olives (1 can, 2.25 oz, drained): Adds salty depth and texture to the salad.
- Italian salad dressing (1/2 to 1 cup): The magic ingredient that coats everything with vibrant herbs and tanginess – adjust based on your taste preference.
How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tricolor rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s tender, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the noodles. This prevents mushiness and helps the salad stay fresh.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While your pasta cooks, prepare the veggies. Peel and seed your cucumber before chopping it into bite-sized pieces for the perfect crunch. Then, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness. Finally, finely dice the red onion to add a little zing without overwhelming the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Seeing all those beautiful colors and textures mingle is truly satisfying and guarantees every forkful is packed with flavor and fun.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour in ½ cup of Italian salad dressing and gently toss everything until well coated. Taste and add more dressing a few tablespoons at a time if you like it saucier, but be mindful – the pasta will soak some up as it chills. This step ensures every piece shines with herbaceous tang.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Although you can dig in right away, this salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. The chill time helps all those flavors meld beautifully into every bite. Before serving, give it a gentle toss, and add a splash more dressing if it seems a little dry. Simple, delicious, and ready for any gathering!
How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to elevate your Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of texture and flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty garlic bread. It’s the perfect side to round out a summer BBQ or a straightforward weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics or lunch on the go. Alternatively, scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter, refreshing bite. Arranging it on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered on top can make for a gorgeous, inviting centerpiece at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the pasta might soak up the dressing and soften slightly. Give it a quick stir and add a little extra dressing if needed before serving again.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh veggies and cheese can lose their texture and freshness. For best results, prepare the salad fresh or store leftovers only in the fridge.
Reheating
Since it’s a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. For a fresh experience, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. If you prefer a warm pasta dish, try making a separate cooked pasta entrée instead.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While tricolor rotini is great for picking up dressing, you can substitute penne, bow ties, or fusilli depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook and cool the pasta properly.
Is there a good vegetarian protein to add?
Certainly! Chickpeas or cannellini beans make excellent plant-based additions that complement the salad’s texture and flavors beautifully. Just rinse and drain canned beans before mixing them in.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
You can easily make your own by mixing olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This homemade option is fresh and allows you to control the flavors and ingredients.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
This salad can be made up to one day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and add extra dressing before serving since the pasta absorbs it over time.
Can I customize this salad for other dietary needs?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety. For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The salad is flexible and forgiving!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re new to pasta salads or a seasoned fan, this recipe ticks all the boxes: flavorful, fresh, and fuss-free. So why not whip it up today and enjoy a bowl full of sunshine and smiles? You won’t regret it!
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Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and refreshing side dish featuring tricolor rotini pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and black olives, all tossed in flavorful Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes and is delicious served chilled.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber)
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
Dressing
- 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tricolor rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once fully cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, peel, seed, and chop the cucumber, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion to prepare the fresh vegetables.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, drained black olives, and diced red onion thoroughly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour 1/2 cup of Italian salad dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well combined. Taste the salad and add up to an additional 1/2 cup of dressing, a few tablespoons at a time, until your preferred flavor and consistency is reached.
- Chill and Serve: Although the salad can be enjoyed immediately, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, add more dressing if needed, as the pasta will absorb some while chilling.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled pasta and vegetables to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette if desired.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
