pasta salad using italian dressing recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best pasta salad using italian dressing recipe

I love pasta salad using Italian dressing recipe because it’s a classic dish that never goes out of style. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that my family and I always enjoy.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a family gathering, or a potluck dinner.

The Italian dressing adds a tangy flavor that complements the pasta and vegetables beautifully. I’ve tried different types of pasta, but I find that bow-tie or penne shapes work best for this recipe.

The key to making a great pasta salad is to not overcook the pasta, so it still has some bite to it. My family loves this recipe so much that we often have leftovers, which are just as delicious the next day.

I like to serve it chilled, so the flavors can meld together properly. Overall, this recipe is a winner in our household, and I highly recommend giving it a try.

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

4.5 from 710 votes

This pasta salad uses Italian dressing and is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a meal or side dish. It is easy to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

8 oz pasta shapes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Italian Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
3This should take about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Set aside.
5While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
6Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
7Pit the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese.
8Add all the vegetables and the olives to a large bowl.
9In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
10This will be the Italian dressing.
11Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the vegetables.
12Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
13Toss everything together until well coated.
14Add the feta cheese and gently mix it in.
15Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
16This step is optional but recommended for better flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial meal. For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Watch Video Of How Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Works

This pasta salad using Italian dressing recipe is a great idea for any occasion because it’s easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills. It’s also perfect for family gatherings or potlucks because everyone will love it.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them when you’re ready to eat. One of my favorite ways to serve this salad is chilled with crusty bread on the side – it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you can use any short-shaped pasta such as bow-tie or penne. These shapes hold onto the dressing and vegetables well.

Q: Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

A: While store-bought Italian dressing is convenient, I highly recommend making your own using high-quality ingredients such as fresh herbs and real Parmesan cheese.

Q: How long does the salad keep in the fridge?

A: You can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled at all times.

Q: Can I add protein to the salad?

A: Yes, you can add cooked chicken, tuna, or tofu to make the salad more substantial.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly Italian dressing.

Q: Can I serve the salad at room temperature?

A: While you can serve the salad at room temperature, I prefer serving it chilled so the flavors can meld together properly.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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