If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying salad to add to your meals, look no further than this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender rotini pasta, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and savory olives, all dressed in zesty Italian dressing. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a barbecue, or just craving something colorful and flavorful, this salad hits all the right spots with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays a starring role: pasta brings heartiness, cucumbers and tomatoes add crunch and juiciness, red onion provides a mild kick, olives contribute briny depth, and creamy feta ties it all together with a tangy note.
- 12 oz tricolor rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing and flavors perfectly for every bite.
- 1 cup chopped cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the richer ingredients.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes: Bursting with color and sweetness, they brighten the salad visually and in taste.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Delivers a subtle sharpness that awakens the palate without overpowering.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy, salty element that beautifully complements the fresh veggies.
- 2.25 oz sliced black olives: Brings a bold, savory depth that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 to 1 cup Italian salad dressing: The final touch, infusing herby, tangy goodness that ties every ingredient together.
How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Begin by cooking the tricolor rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This texture is key because you want the pasta firm enough to hold up in the salad without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, making it ready to mix with fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced black olives. This combination is what makes the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe so colorful and flavor-packed. Each ingredient adds its own personality, creating a harmonious blend.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Pour your desired amount of Italian salad dressing over the combined mixture. Gently stir everything to ensure every bite is coated with that delicious, tangy dressing. Start with half a cup, taste, and add more if you prefer a saucier salad.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
For the flavors to marry beautifully, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This step allows the pasta to soak up the dressing and the veggies to become tender-crisp, creating a well-rounded taste experience that makes this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe a standout dish.
How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add some extra flair and flavor, consider garnishing your salad with fresh basil or parsley. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also elevates the dish. These simple touches can brighten the presentation and add subtle flavors that celebrate the salad’s Mediterranean roots.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a perfect side to grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak, complementing the smoky, savory flavors with its freshness. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. The Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe’s versatility makes it a reliable go-to side for countless occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take this salad beyond the bowl? Serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive look, or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a light and fun twist. You can also layer it in a mason jar for easy transport and a visually stunning picnic option. Presentation is a great way to turn a simple salad into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a quick toss before serving because the ingredients tend to settle and mix during storage, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed again.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and feta, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it can compromise the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when stored properly in the fridge.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit out for a bit before eating rather than applying heat, which can soften the vegetables and cheese undesirably.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While tricolor rotini is ideal for its shape and color, other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie will work just as well. The key is choosing a variety that holds dressing and mixes easily.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Just keep the salad dressing separate until ready to serve if you want to maintain maximum freshness and avoid soggy ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, you can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it easy to customize.
What kind of Italian dressing works best?
Homemade or store-bought Italian dressing with a good balance of herbs, vinegar, and olive oil is perfect for this salad. A zesty or classic Italian blend complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still result in a tasty salad, but giving it a couple of hours really elevates the taste experience.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, fresh, and effortlessly delicious. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet it never fails to impress friends and family alike. So grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a salad that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Easy Italian Pasta Salad featuring tricolor rotini, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and sliced black olives, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfectly chilled, this salad is a delightful side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2.25 oz sliced black olives
Dressing
- 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of tricolor rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then add 1 cup chopped cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 2.25 oz sliced black olives. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of Italian salad dressing over the salad mixture, depending on your taste preference. Stir gently until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste and making the salad more refreshing when served.
Notes
- Use the rotini pasta’s cooking time from the package to achieve perfect al dente texture.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing according to your preferred flavor intensity.
- For added herbs, consider sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead for convenience and improved flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
