Easy Italian Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather get-togethers, potlucks, or a quick lunch. Packed with colorful rotini pasta, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, creamy feta, and a flavorful Italian dressing, it’s refreshing and satisfying in every bite. This no-fuss recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and can be enjoyed right away or after a quick chill in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Minimal prep and cook time makes it ideal for busy days.
• Super Versatile – Customize ingredients to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Bright, tangy, and creamy, it’s a favorite at any gathering.
• Great for Make-Ahead – Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Ingredients

• 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta
• 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber)
• 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tricolor rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water for several minutes to cool it completely. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the pasta is cooking, peel and seed the cucumber, then chop it into small pieces. Slice the cherry or grape tomatoes in half. Finely dice the red onion and drain the black olives.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and diced red onion.
4. Add Dressing and Mix:
   Start by pouring 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Taste and add more dressing if desired, up to 1 cup total.
5. Chill or Serve:
   You can serve the pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours to chill. If chilled, stir before serving and add an extra tablespoon or two of dressing to freshen it up.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Dressing Choice: Use a flavorful Italian dressing you love—Olive Garden brand is highly recommended.
• Seed the Cucumber: This helps reduce wateriness in the salad.
• Adjust to Taste: Add more feta, olives, or onions depending on your preferences.
• Custom Add-ins: Try adding pepperoni slices, banana peppers, or diced bell peppers for variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cold as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or grilled meats. It’s also great as a standalone light lunch or potluck staple.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Refreshing Leftovers: Add a bit more Italian dressing before serving if the pasta has absorbed it all.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad a day ahead?
A: It’s best made the same day, but you can make it the night before. Just stir and refresh with more dressing before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?
Tricolor rotini is ideal, but any short pasta like penne or farfalle will also work.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pasta brand and verify your dressing is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a must-have recipe for quick meals, gatherings, and make-ahead lunches. With vibrant veggies and the perfect tang from Italian dressing, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Just toss, chill, and serve!

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