Description
This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick meal. Loaded with colorful veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- ¾ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Italian Dressing:
- 1 cup bottled or homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, red onion, mozzarella, and salami or pepperoni if using.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks.
- You can swap in any veggies or cheese you like, and it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
