italian dressing pasta salad recipe

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

I’m so glad you’re here for this Italian dressing pasta salad recipe. This dish is one of my family’s all-time favorites, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and assembling the salad, and it’s a great way to get some extra veggies into their diet.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.

Just cook some pasta, mix it with your favorite veggies, and top it off with a delicious homemade Italian dressing. That’s it!

This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ve included all the details you need to make this recipe a success, from the ingredients to the cooking technique.

So, let’s get started!

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

4.8 from 1865 votes

A refreshing and tangy pasta salad with Italian dressing, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. This salad combines pasta, vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a delightful meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

12 oz pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
1/2 red onion
1 green bell pepper
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 cup 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 clove garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
5Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
6Dice the cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper into small pieces.
7Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
8Add all the vegetables and cheese to a large mixing bowl.
9In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the Italian dressing.
10Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
11Add the cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
12Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
13Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
14Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
15This step is crucial for the best flavor.
16Stir the salad occasionally while it chills to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
17Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
18Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional feta cheese and olives if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. For a vegetarian option, omit the feta cheese and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.

This Italian dressing pasta salad is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste.

Plus, it’s a dish that everyone in the family will love, from the kids to the adults. I always have the ingredients on hand to make this pasta salad, and it’s a quick and easy meal that I can throw together in no time. I often make a big batch of this pasta salad and store it in the refrigerator for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

It keeps well in an airtight container and can be served chilled or at room temperature. This pasta salad is also a great dish to bring to potlucks or picnics, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Q5: What are some good variations on this recipe?

You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding different vegetables or using different types of cheese. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers, sliced olives, or crumbled feta cheese.

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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