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
Scale
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.
