Looking for a refreshing side dish that packs a flavor punch? This Zesty Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is your answer! Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or simply as a delightful lunch, this salad combines vibrant vegetables with a tangy dressing to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
With its combination of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile too – customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. This recipe is all about easy preparation and fresh flavors!
Easy and Delicious Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
This pasta salad features al dente pasta tossed with a medley of fresh veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s bright, tangy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g