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Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is both visually appealing and incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for summer barbecues or as a quick weeknight side, it delivers delightful crunch and flavor in every bite. Impress your guests with this vibrant salad that’s sure to be the highlight of your meal!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted olives (black or green), sliced
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all chopped vegetables.
  4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently until every piece is well coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Author: Adriana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - Customize your salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or turkey. - Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can enhance flavor significantly. - For a heartier version, consider including cheese like feta or mozzarella.