italian dressing pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
italian dressing pasta salad recipe
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The Best italian dressing pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this Italian dressing pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. I love that it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning you can cook the pasta, mix in the dressing, and add your favorite veggies all in one big bowl.

It’s also incredibly versatile – you can add protein like chicken or tuna, or swap out the veggies for something different. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to pick their favorite toppings and customize their own bowl.

As for me, I appreciate how healthy this recipe is – the pasta is a good source of complex carbs, the veggies add fiber and antioxidants, and the Italian dressing provides a boost of flavor without adding excess calories. Plus, it’s just so darn easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate until serving.

Whether you’re serving this at a casual gathering or just need a quick lunch option for yourself, this Italian dressing pasta salad is sure to please. And the best part?

It makes great leftovers too – just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop and serve hot. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for added crunch.

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

4.7 from 1853 votes

A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad made with a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics or potlucks.

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 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 green bell pepper
1 red onion
1/2 cup pitted black olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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 pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and rinse under cold water.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, chop the green bell pepper into strips, and finely chop the red onion.
5Add the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
6Slice the black olives in half and add them to the bowl.
7Crumble the feta cheese and chop the parsley.
8Add the olives, feta cheese, and parsley to the mixing bowl.
9In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
10Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
11Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
12Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. You can also add your favorite vegetables to customize the salad.

This Italian dressing pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or potlucks because it’s so easy to customize with everyone’s favorite toppings.

Plus, it makes great leftovers that are easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly healthy – with complex carbs from the pasta, fiber and antioxidants from the veggies, and a boost of flavor from the Italian dressing without adding excess calories.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Q: What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any shape of pasta you like – I prefer bow tie or penne because they hold onto the dressing well. However, feel free to experiment with different shapes if you prefer!

Q: Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

A: Of course! If you don’t have time to whip up your own Italian dressing from scratch, store-bought will work just fine. Just be aware that it may contain added preservatives or artificial flavorings that might affect the taste.

Q: How long can I store this salad in the fridge?

A: This salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture. If you’re planning ahead, you can even make it up to a week in advance and freeze it until serving – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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