Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. Packed with colorful veggies, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a dish that disappears fast!

Each bite offers a perfect balance of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta, all twirled with rotini pasta and coated in a herb-packed Italian dressing. It’s a no-fuss recipe you’ll make on repeat, especially in warmer months when you crave something cool and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

This pasta salad is endlessly versatile and customizable. It works as a main dish or side, fits into picnics, BBQs, or lunchboxes, and can be prepped ahead. The combination of Mediterranean flavors like feta and olives with the sharpness of Italian dressing makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, ensuring it cooks evenly without sticking. A colander is essential for draining and rinsing the pasta to cool it quickly and stop cooking. A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board are key for prepping crisp veggies. Use a large mixing bowl to toss everything together without crushing delicate ingredients. Finally, a whisk or small jar helps emulsify the Italian dressing, ensuring it coats each bite perfectly.

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Ingredients for the Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

• Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully and adds a playful texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring a sweet juiciness and pop of color.
• Cucumbers: Add crisp freshness to balance the pasta.
• Black olives: Provide briny, salty bites that elevate the Mediterranean feel.
• Red onion: Offers a sharp, tangy contrast.
• Feta cheese: Crumbly and tangy, it adds creamy pockets of flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the salad with herbal notes.
• Italian dressing: The heart of the dish, binding all the ingredients with zesty, herbaceous goodness.

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How To Make the Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice cucumbers into half-moons, thinly slice red onion, and roughly chop the parsley.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, shake it up in a jar until emulsified.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the pasta, veggies, olives, and feta. Pour over the dressing and mix gently to coat every bite evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Give it a final toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

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How to Serve and Store Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant side dish or light main course. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread. To store, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it dries slightly, simply drizzle a bit more dressing or olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this pasta salad?

You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Can I use a store-bought Italian dressing?

Absolutely! A good quality store-bought dressing works well if you’re short on time, though homemade offers a fresher, more vibrant taste.

What pasta shape works best?

Rotini is my go-to, but bowtie, penne, or fusilli also work beautifully by holding the dressing in their curves and ridges.

How can I make this vegan?

Simply skip the feta or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Can I add protein?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions to turn this into a heartier meal.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, you’ll probably enjoy these other fresh and vibrant salads from Kitchen By Kate:

• Fresh Flavorful Classic Greek Salad for a tangy, briny veggie-packed favorite.
• Roasted Parmesan Green Beans if you’re craving a warm, cheesy side.
• Simple and Quick German Potato Salad for a hearty, tangy twist.
• Mediterranean White Beans & Greens with protein-packed goodness.
• Authentic Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake when you want something cozy but Italian-inspired.

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📌 Save this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing recipe to your Pinterest board so you can revisit it anytime: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add extra veggies or a protein twist? Drop your variations or questions in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other with fresh ideas!

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