Quick Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Quick pasta salad with Italian dressing was something I first made on a rushed weekday evening when I had only 30 minutes to prepare dinner and somehow still wanted something fresh and flavorful and surprisingly it turned out to be one of the most colorful and delicious salads I’d ever thrown together and now it’s become my go-to dish for last-minute entertaining and quick lunches. I love how the zingy Italian dressing soaks into the pasta and veggies creating a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in no time.

Now whenever I have leftover pasta and a few crunchy veggies I know exactly what to do and I often bring it out for potlucks and picnics or just to enjoy a healthy meal at home without spending too long in the kitchen. The mix of juicy tomatoes crisp cucumbers salty olives and creamy mozzarella pearls with herby Italian dressing makes every bite bright and bold and just perfect for warm weather meals.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto all the flavorful dressing.
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet they bring brightness and color.
• Cucumber – Adds a cool crunch and refreshing flavor.
• Red onion – Gives a sharp bite and vibrant contrast.
• Kalamata olives – Provide a salty savory punch.
• Mozzarella pearls – Soft and creamy they balance out the tangy ingredients.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Italian dressing – Ties everything together with a bold zesty flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To enhance and balance the taste.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente.
• Colander – To drain and rinse the cooked pasta quickly.
• Cutting board – A steady surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife – Essential for slicing cucumbers onions and tomatoes.
• Mixing bowl – Where all the pasta and vegetables come together.
• Spoon or tongs – For tossing everything evenly with the dressing.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Then I drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down fast.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooling I slice the cucumbers into thin rounds halve the cherry tomatoes slice the red onion thinly and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. I like everything bite-sized for easy eating.

Step 3: Mix the Salad

In a large bowl I combine the cooled pasta with all the prepped vegetables mozzarella pearls and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

I pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss everything well using a big spoon or tongs until everything is coated. I season with a bit of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

I let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving which allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Tips

If I want to add protein I sometimes toss in some grilled chicken chickpeas or salami slices. I’ve also made this with whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and it still tastes fantastic. If you like a bolder kick try adding banana peppers or a splash of red wine vinegar along with the dressing!

Ways to Serve

This pasta salad is fantastic as a standalone lunch or light dinner and it also works perfectly as a side dish at barbecues family gatherings or beach picnics. I love serving it alongside grilled meats or stuffing it into a pita for a fun twist. It’s colorful satisfying and incredibly versatile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make quick pasta salad with Italian dressing ahead of time?

Yes and I recommend it since the flavors get better after sitting for a few hours.

What’s the best pasta for quick pasta salad with Italian dressing?

I love rotini or fusilli because they hold the dressing well but penne or bowtie pasta also works great.

Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Absolutely and it makes it even fresher! Just mix olive oil vinegar garlic herbs and a bit of mustard.

How long does quick pasta salad with Italian dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

See You in the Kitchen

I really hope you give this quick pasta salad with Italian dressing a try and let it bring some bright Mediterranean flavor into your week! It’s simple fast and incredibly tasty and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you so feel free to share and tag me if you post it!

Happy Cooking!

Print