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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
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A vibrant, refreshing, and flavorful Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing that combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta with crunchy veggies, tangy Italian dressing, fresh herbs, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. This easy and customizable recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for lunches, potlucks, picnics, and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Dressing

  • 2 cups rotini pasta (about 8 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

Herbs and Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. If using olives, pit and halve them as needed.
  3. Combine Pasta and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with all the prepped vegetables to ensure even distribution.
  4. Add Italian Dressing: Pour your Italian dressing over the pasta and veggies, then toss everything together thoroughly so the salad is coated but not drowned. Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.
  5. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta perfectly to keep it firm and able to hold the dressing well.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and keep the salad fresh.
  • Start by adding half the dressing, toss, and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
  • Include fresh herbs for brightness and flavor elevation.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, rotini pasta, summer salad, potluck recipe, picnic food, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/