pasta salad with italian dressing recipe

pasta salad with italian dressing recipe

The Best pasta salad with italian dressing recipe

I love pasta salad with Italian dressing, it’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s a staple in our household.

My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.

I’ve tried various versions of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my go-to. The combination of tangy Italian dressing, crunchy vegetables, and hearty pasta is a match made in heaven.

I’ve served it at countless family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, and it’s always a hit. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal option or just want something easy to throw together, this pasta salad with Italian dressing is a great choice.

It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat more veggies – just chop them up finely and mix them in! My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even started making it for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m happy to share my secrets with you.

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

4.6 from 1179 votes

A refreshing pasta salad with a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for a light meal or side dish. This recipe combines pasta, vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

8 oz pasta shapes
1 cucumber
1 bell pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 cup feta cheese

For the Italian Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
4While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces.
5Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the black olives in half.
6Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
8Toss gently to mix.
9In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
10Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
11Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12This step is crucial for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
13Serve chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Colander
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can include cooked chicken or chickpeas. You can also add your favorite vegetables to customize the salad to your liking.

Watch Video Of How Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Works

I highly recommend making this pasta salad with Italian dressing for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.

In fact, I often make large batches of this recipe on the weekends when we have family gatherings or potlucks. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve – no fuss!

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Q: What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?

For this recipe, I prefer to use bow-tie pasta or penne pasta because they hold onto the dressing nicely and provide a fun texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing if you prefer. However, I highly recommend making your own because it’s so easy and tastes so much better.

Q: How long does this recipe keep in the fridge?

This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.

Q: Can I add cooked chicken or bacon to this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add cooked chicken or bacon to give this recipe an extra boost of protein and flavor.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you skip the optional bacon.

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