Quick Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Quick Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tasty dish perfect for any occasion. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and flavorful cheese for a refreshing meal or side.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup shredded or cubed cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with Italian dressing, mixed vegetables, and cheese. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add brightness and extra flavor.
- Try adding olives or pepperoni slices for a heartier salad.
- For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat Italian dressing or substitute cheese with feta.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle toss before serving, and if needed, add a little extra dressing to refresh the flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld, but avoid making it more than a day in advance to keep the vegetables crisp.
What pasta works best for this salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best as they hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients.
PrintQuick Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This Quick Italian Pasta Salad is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at summer gatherings. Featuring tender pasta tossed with zesty Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, and cheese, it’s a refreshing dish that comes together in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, add black olives or pepperoncini peppers.
- You can substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier twist.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead to enhance the taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad, cold pasta dish, easy pasta recipe, Italian dressing pasta
