Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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Whether you’re prepping for a summer cookout, need a quick make-ahead lunch, or just want a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s bright, crunchy, and satisfying—filling enough to stand on its own, but versatile enough to accompany grilled meats or sandwiches. It’s also a surefire hit at potlucks and picnic tables thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavors and vibrant appearance.

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

• Quick and easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
• Versatile: Great as a main, side, or picnic dish.
• Customizable: Swap or add veggies, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for BBQs, parties, and potlucks.
• Light yet satisfying: Thanks to fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter

Before diving into your Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right tools to streamline prep and maximize flavor:

• Large Pot: Crucial for boiling the pasta evenly without clumping. A roomy pot allows the rotini to cook perfectly al dente.
• Colander or Sieve: For draining pasta quickly and efficiently—also helps stop cooking instantly when rinsed with cold water.
• Mixing Bowl (Large): Where all the salad magic happens. You’ll toss pasta and veggies in dressing here, so a big bowl is essential.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed for slicing cucumbers, halving tomatoes, and finely dicing onions with precision.
• Cutting Board: Gives you a safe, stable surface to prep all your ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Useful for getting the perfect balance of dressing ingredients or add-ins.
• Salad Tongs or Wooden Spoons: For gently mixing everything without mashing the feta or breaking the pasta.

Having these tools ready ensures a smoother, more enjoyable cooking experience and prevents common mishaps like soggy pasta or uneven dressing distribution.

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Preparation Tips

• Salt the pasta water generously: Like the sea—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Cook pasta just until al dente: Slight firmness helps it hold up in the salad and not get mushy.
• Cool pasta before mixing: Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the salad crisp.
• Cut vegetables uniformly: Makes every bite balanced and visually appealing.
• Use fresh herbs: Parsley or basil gives a big flavor lift and makes the salad feel extra fresh.
• Chill before serving: Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld.
• Taste and adjust: Add a bit more dressing, salt, or pepper just before serving if needed.

These small steps make a big difference in taste and texture.

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Ingredients for This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Here’s everything you need to create this vibrant and refreshing pasta salad. Each ingredient plays a key role in adding flavor, texture, and color:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like fusilli or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

For the Italian Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Tip: You can also use ¾ cup of your favorite store-bought Italian dressing if you’re short on time, but homemade always delivers fresher flavor.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake until well blended. Set aside to let the flavors develop.

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Step 3: Chop and Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. If your olives aren’t already pitted and halved, do that now.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, olives, and half the crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently until evenly coated.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a final toss, top with remaining feta, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Notes

• Pasta shape matters: Rotini works beautifully because the spirals hold onto the dressing, but bowties or penne can work too.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even salami slices to turn this into a heartier main dish.
• Vegan-friendly version: Skip the feta or use a plant-based feta substitute.
• Use up leftovers: This salad tastes even better the next day and is great for meal prep.
• Add crunch: Toss in sunflower seeds or pine nuts right before serving for a little extra texture.
• Dressing absorbs over time: If it seems a bit dry the next day, simply drizzle a touch of olive oil and vinegar to refresh it.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta doesn’t hold up well in salads. Always go for al dente.
• Skipping the rinse: Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta fast—don’t skip it.
• Not salting the water: Pasta needs to be seasoned while boiling. Bland pasta equals a bland salad.
• Dressing too early or too late: Tossing while slightly warm helps pasta absorb flavor—but not too hot, or the cheese and veggies wilt.
• Uneven chopping: This makes the salad look messy and leads to inconsistent bites.
• Overloading with dressing: Add in portions—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
• Neglecting to chill: Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to blend. Rushing this step weakens the overall taste.
• Using low-quality olive oil: It’s the base of your dressing, so pick something with good flavor.

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What to Serve With Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing?

Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main event, this pasta salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its tangy, herby profile makes it especially adaptable.

8 Recommendations

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
   Lightly seasoned grilled chicken adds protein and balances the acidity of the dressing.
2. Garlic Bread or Focaccia
   The perfect carb-on-carb combo, especially when warm and crispy.
3. Lemon Herb Salmon
   The citrus and dill of the salmon complement the freshness of the pasta salad.
4. Caprese Stuffed Avocados
   A lighter, creamy companion that echoes the salad’s Mediterranean feel.
5. Grilled Veggie Platter
   Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant—serve warm or chilled for a veggie-rich spread.
6. Italian Sausages or Bratwurst
   Their bold flavors pair well with the salad’s brightness and texture.
7. Chilled Gazpacho Soup
   A fresh, tomato-based soup makes a refreshing start to a summer meal.
8. Roast Beef or Turkey Sandwiches
   A great combo for lunches or picnics—the salad adds freshness to heavier proteins.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. In fact, the flavors often intensify overnight, making it a great make-ahead option. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing while stored, simply revive it with a splash of olive oil or a bit more Italian dressing before serving.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables tends to degrade after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1-cup serving, based on 6 servings total)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Category: Side or Light Main
• Method: No-Cook (aside from boiling pasta)
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Pasta salad actually tastes better when made a few hours—or even a day—ahead. The flavors meld beautifully after chilling.

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2. What’s the best pasta for pasta salad?

Rotini, fusilli, bowtie, or penne are great choices. Look for short pasta shapes that can hold onto dressing and ingredients.

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3. Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

Absolutely. Use about ¾ cup of your favorite brand. However, homemade gives you more control over flavor and ingredients.

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4. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety. Make sure any store-bought dressing or cheese you use is also certified gluten-free.

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5. How long will it last in the fridge?

Typically, this pasta salad stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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6. Can I add meat or protein?

Yes. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tuna, or diced salami make excellent add-ins for a heartier version.

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7. Why rinse the pasta after cooking?

Rinsing stops the cooking process, cools the pasta, and removes excess starch that can make the salad gummy.

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8. How do I keep the salad from drying out?

If the pasta soaks up the dressing during storage, just stir in a little olive oil or more dressing before serving to freshen it up.

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Conclusion

This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is more than just a side—it’s a versatile, fresh, and satisfying dish that can anchor a summer spread or serve as a quick, tasty lunch. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With a balance of zesty dressing, tender pasta, and crisp veggies, it delivers bold flavor in every bite.

Now that you’ve got the full breakdown, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start mixing!

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