If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is just the thing to brighten up any lunch or dinner table. Bursting with colorful tricolor pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny black olives all tossed in zesty Italian dressing, it’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a gathering, this salad is effortless yet impressive, making it an instant favorite in my kitchen and hopefully yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to this dish’s charm. Each component not only adds unique flavor but also enhances the texture and visual appeal, creating a salad that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
- Tricolor rotini pasta (12 oz): The curly shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients beautifully for every bite.
- Chopped cucumber (1 cup): Peeled and seeded to bring a crisp, cool crunch without bitterness.
- Halved cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup): Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- Finely diced red onion (1/4 cup): Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the creamy feta.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Lends a tangy, creamy texture that elevates the salad’s richness.
- Sliced black olives (1 can, 2.25 oz): Brings a salty depth and visual contrast with dark, shiny rounds.
- Italian salad dressing (1/2 to 1 cup): Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that essential zesty, herby finish.
How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water to cook the tricolor rotini pasta according to the package instructions. When it’s perfectly al dente, drain it and immediately rinse under cold water. This quick chill stops further cooking and cools the noodles, keeping them firm and perfect for salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While your pasta cooks, take a moment to prep the fresh vegetables. Peel and seed the cucumber to avoid bitterness, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry or grape tomatoes in halves for bursts of sweetness, and finely dice the red onion, which will add that lovely subtle zing that ties the salad together.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Combine the cooled pasta with your prepared veggies in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and drained sliced black olives, making sure every ingredient is well distributed. This step sets the stage for the dressing to bring everything together.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour half a cup of Italian salad dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly. Taste the salad, then add more dressing—in increments of a few tablespoons—until the flavors and texture reach your perfect balance. The dressing is what turns this into a cohesive, zingy masterpiece.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Although you can serve this salad right away, chilling it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours really lets the flavors meld and deepen. Just before serving, check the seasoning and add a bit more dressing if needed, since the pasta tends to soak some up as it chills.
How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish and added flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salad before serving. A few extra crumbles of feta on top make it look inviting and add little pockets of cheesy delight.
Side Dishes
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or alongside juicy burgers and hot dogs for a classic summer cookout feel. It also works perfectly as a light, satisfying side on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the gorgeous rainbow colors. For individual servings, use small mason jars or elegant salad plates layered for a chic picnic or dinner party presentation. You can even stuff it into pita pockets or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to develop, making each subsequent serving even tastier.
Freezing
While freezing pasta salad isn’t typically recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and veggies separately if you want to prep ahead. Just defrost and toss with fresh dressing and feta when ready to serve.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, let refrigerated salad sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and release some of the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While tricolor rotini is great for holding dressing, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully and add a different look.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
You can make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based substitute, and choosing an Italian dressing without dairy or honey.
How long does the salad need to marinate for best flavor?
Chilling the salad for at least 1 to 2 hours allows the flavors to blend beautifully, but even 30 minutes can make a difference if you’re in a hurry.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, salami slices, or chickpeas make excellent protein additions, turning this salad into a hearty meal.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?
Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking and chilling the salad before serving helps keep everything fresh. Also, add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a go-to favorite when you want something quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. I promise, once you try it, its fresh flavors and delightful textures will make it a staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tricolor rotini pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and black olives, all brought together with a flavorful Italian dressing. Perfect as a quick side or light meal, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes and is best served chilled to enhance its bold flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber)
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
Dressing
- 1/2 to 1 cup Italian salad dressing (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tricolor rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, peel and seed the cucumber, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and finely dice the red onion to prepare for mixing.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and diced red onion, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
- Add the Dressing: Pour half a cup of Italian salad dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated. Taste the salad and gradually add up to half a cup more dressing in small increments to achieve your preferred flavor and consistency.
- Chill and Serve: The salad can be served immediately, but for best results, refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, add more dressing if needed, as the pasta may absorb dressing during chilling.
Notes
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor as the pasta absorbs the dressing.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and texture.
- If preferred, substitute the feta with another type of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the dressing is vegan-friendly.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
