Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is everything you need in a refreshing, colorful, and delicious summer dish. Twirls of rotini pasta are tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, and briny olives. Each bite is brightened with zesty Italian dressing and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan that ties all the fresh flavors together perfectly.

It’s the kind of salad that disappears fast at BBQs, potlucks, or even just as a light lunch. You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors marinate for extra oomph. Whether served cold or at room temperature, this pasta salad is a vibrant dish that delivers both comfort and crunch.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing?

Short-cut pasta with plenty of nooks and ridges is the best choice for this kind of salad. Rotini, fusilli, or bowtie pasta work beautifully since they catch all that delicious Italian dressing in every twist. Al dente texture is key—overcooked pasta will turn mushy once it soaks in the dressing.

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Ingredients for the Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Rotini Pasta: This twisted pasta holds onto dressing and mixes well with veggies, making it the ideal base.

Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and juicy, they add natural sweetness and a burst of color.

Cucumber: Cool and crisp, cucumber adds refreshing crunch and contrast.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild bite that brings a sharp balance to the tangy dressing.

Bell Peppers: Any color works—they bring sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal.

Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, these give the salad a savory depth and Mediterranean vibe.

Italian Dressing: Homemade or store-bought, this dressing ties everything together with herbs, vinegar, and a touch of oil.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan finishes the salad with a nutty, salty layer that enhances every bite.

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How To Make the Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely slice the red onion. Pit and slice the Kalamata olives if they aren’t already pitted.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and olives. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chill

Fold in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. You can even prepare it a day ahead.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and taste. Add more dressing or seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a vibrant side for grilled meats, alongside burgers, or even as a light vegetarian main course. It’s just as tasty packed into lunchboxes or taken on picnics.

For the best texture, serve chilled or let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

To store, transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. If it starts to dry out, simply stir in a bit more Italian dressing before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this pasta salad?

You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta are all great alternatives to rotini.

What kind of Italian dressing works best?

Both homemade and good-quality store-bought versions are fine. Choose one with plenty of herbs and tang for the best flavor.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna make great protein-packed additions.

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Want More Salad Ideas That Impress?

If you love this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, here are a few more fresh and flavorful dishes you’ll want to add to your meal rotation:

• Try the vibrant and hearty Taco Salad for a satisfying Tex-Mex twist.
• Cool down with a refreshing Couscous Arugula Salad layered with greens and grains.
• Make summer even better with Fried Zucchini as a crispy, dippable side.
• Add protein power with our colorful Quick Southwest Chicken Salad bursting with smoky flavors.
• And for a twist on tradition, don’t miss our Kompot — a fruity drink to pair perfectly with salads.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go all veggie or add some grilled chicken? Did you make your own dressing or use store-bought?

I love seeing how others bring their own flair to the recipes. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to cook and share together.

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