Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish, this Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is the perfect choice! Packed with crunchy vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a summer BBQ, meal prep, or a quick side dish, it’s a must-try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes
• Bursting with Flavor: The tangy Italian dressing adds a refreshing kick
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better as the flavors meld
• Customizable: Swap veggies or add protein like grilled chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Salad:

• Rotini pasta (12 oz) – Holds dressing well with its twists
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved) – Sweet and juicy
• Cucumber (1, diced) – Adds crunch
• Red bell pepper (1, diced) – Vibrant and slightly sweet
• Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced) – A mild kick
• Black olives (½ cup, sliced) – Briny and flavorful
• Mozzarella pearls (½ cup) – Creamy and soft
• Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped) – For a pop of freshness

For the Italian Dressing:

• Olive oil (⅓ cup) – The base of the dressing
• Red wine vinegar (3 tbsp) – Adds tang
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp) – Helps emulsify the dressing
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth of flavor
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Classic herb blend
• Honey (1 tsp) – Balances acidity
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl for the dressing
• Large salad bowl
• Whisk for mixing the dressing

How to Make Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella pearls, and parsley.

4. Add the Dressing
Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated.

5. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!

What to Serve with This Salad

• Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
• Garlic bread or a side of focaccia
• A light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make all the difference
• Let It Marinate: The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld
• Make It Ahead: Perfect for meal prep—just store in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Customize It: Add chickpeas, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Refresh Before Serving: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of vinegar to freshen up leftovers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Bowtie, penne, or fusilli all work great.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
Absolutely! If short on time, use your favorite bottled Italian dressing.

Conclusion

This Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is an easy, flavor-packed dish that’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout or meal prepping for the week, it’s a guaranteed winner.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 480mg

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