Summer Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Summer Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a fresh, colorful side dish packed with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, feta cheese, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, meal prep, and easy summer dinners. Best of all, it comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For the Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Allow the pasta to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and basil.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta keeps it from becoming sticky.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh vegetables provide the best texture.
- Chill before serving for maximum flavor.
- Add extra dressing if making the salad ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 320 per serving
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Use mozzarella pearls instead of feta.
- Include pepperoni or salami for an Italian-style version.
- Add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Substitute spinach or arugula for some of the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled burgers.
- Pair with barbecue chicken.
- Bring to summer picnics and potlucks.
- Serve alongside sandwiches.
- Enjoy as a light lunch on its own.
Tips
- Cook pasta just until al dente.
- Let the salad chill before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Toss again before serving if refrigerated overnight.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for the brightest flavor.
Prep Time, Chill Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield
8 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 460mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, pasta salad often tastes better after a few hours in the refrigerator because the flavors have time to blend together.
What is the best pasta for pasta salad?
Rotini, fusilli, bow tie, and penne are all excellent choices because they hold dressing well and provide great texture.
How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Why does my pasta salad seem dry after chilling?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Add a splash of extra Italian dressing before serving to refresh the salad.
Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
Absolutely. Store-bought dressing works well when you’re short on time, although homemade dressing offers fresher flavor.
Can this pasta salad be made gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and prepare as directed.
Conclusion
Summer Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe loaded with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing lunches for the week, or looking for the perfect potluck dish, this refreshing pasta salad is always a great choice.