Pasta salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style — fresh, colorful, and versatile. This Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite at potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or even as a quick meal prep option.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using store-bought or homemade Italian dressing, you can whip up a hearty salad in very little time. It’s a recipe that works for all seasons, tastes great cold, and actually gets better as it sits and the flavors meld together.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s bright, colorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s one of those dishes that can be tailored to whatever you have in your fridge — from veggies to proteins to cheeses.
The zesty Italian dressing ties everything together, giving it a refreshing and bold flavor. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and makes an easy grab-and-go lunch.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, main meal, or picnic snack.
- Crowd-Friendly: Serves a group and is always popular at gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
- Balanced Flavors: Tangy, savory, and refreshing.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~300 kcal (varies based on ingredients)
- Course: Side Dish / Main Dish
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 4 cups) rotini or penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubes (can sub with feta or cheddar)
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional, for a meaty version)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While pasta is cooking, wash and chop the veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, slice onions and olives.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, and salami (if using).
- Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Garnish
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.
- Mix gently.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Boil pasta until al dente, then rinse with cold water.
- Chop all vegetables and prep cheese/meat.
- Add pasta, veggies, cheese, and meats to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in Italian dressing and toss well.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
How to Serve
- Serve cold as a side dish at BBQs, picnics, or potlucks.
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a full meal.
- Enjoy as a refreshing light lunch or dinner.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse the pasta: Prevents it from sticking and keeps the salad cold and refreshing.
- Chill before serving: Enhances the flavors.
- Add dressing in stages: Reserve a little dressing to refresh before serving.
- Balance textures: Use both crunchy veggies and creamy cheese for the best bite.
Variations
- Greek Pasta Salad: Use feta, olives, cucumber, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Vegan Version: Skip the cheese/meat and use vegan Italian dressing.
- Spicy Kick: Add pepperoncini or jalapeños.
- Whole Grain: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta and veggies lose texture when thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep extra dressing aside and toss right before serving to refresh flavors.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Strainer/colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Conclusion
This Easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free cooking. With only a handful of ingredients and a simple dressing, it creates a dish that’s ideal for gatherings, meal prep, or just a quick family dinner.
It’s colorful, refreshing, and highly versatile — a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish at a summer cookout or as a standalone meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.
