Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with color, flavor, and ease, look no further than this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. With its rainbow of crunchy vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and tangy feta cheese, this dish packs a punch in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a potluck, or just looking for a quick meal on a busy weeknight, this recipe comes together in minutes and delivers big on taste. It’s a personal favorite for its versatility and the way it brings everyone back for seconds—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of this Easy Italian Pasta Salad is in how each simple ingredient plays a starring role—there’s nothing unnecessary, and every bite is a texture and flavor celebration. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for why each one matters.

• Tricolor rotini pasta (1 box, 12 oz): The beautiful swirls and vibrant colors hold the dressing perfectly and make the salad look irresistible.
• Chopped cucumber (1 cup, about 1 cucumber): Crisp and refreshing, cucumber gives a cool bite and balances out the tangy flavors.
• Halved cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup): These little bursts of sweetness add juicy freshness and a splash of beautiful red color.
• Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Briny, creamy, and bold, feta cheese brings everything together and gives the salad its signature Mediterranean flair.
• Sliced black olives (1 can, 2.25 oz, drained): The subtle saltiness and earthy flavor of olives deepen the flavor profile and offer lovely contrast to the other ingredients.
• Finely diced red onion (1/4 cup): Just enough for a sharp, tangy bite that wakes up the whole salad—slice as fine as you like, or soak in water to mellow if you prefer.
• Italian salad dressing (1/2 – 1 cup): Choose a dressing you love—the flavor comes through in every bite! Make it extra tangy, herby, or even lighter if that’s your style.

How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the tricolor rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Here’s a tip: don’t skip salting your water—it’s the first layer of flavor! Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and quickly cools the noodles down, setting the stage for a crisp, fresh salad rather than a mushy one.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While your pasta cooks and cools, chop up your cucumber, halve the tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and drain the black olives. Break up your feta cheese if it’s in block form (and sneak a bite—it’s too good not to!). Preparing everything ahead makes assembly a breeze and ensures even flavor distribution in every forkful.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked, cooled pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, and onion. Pour in about half a cup of your chosen Italian dressing to start. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each ingredient gets a generous coating. Taste, and add more dressing gradually until it’s just the right amount for you—plenty to keep things moist and tangy, but not drowning.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

The beauty of this Easy Italian Pasta Salad is its flexibility. You can serve it right away if you’re hungry, or pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours before your event. Chilling lets flavors mingle and meld, but the salad is delicious even freshly tossed. Pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, save a few tablespoons of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, since pasta tends to soak up dressing as it sits.

How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Add a final flourish with a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a smattering of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil, or even a few extra sliced olives on top. For a dash of color and zip, a light grind of black pepper or a drizzle of quality olive oil really sets off the vibrant look and taste.

Side Dishes

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or even a classic antipasto platter. It’s equally at home next to burgers at a cookout or as part of a light lunch spread with soup or a green salad. Think fresh, Mediterranean-inspired sides that play off its bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in a giant clear glass bowl for dramatic, colorful layers at your next barbecue, or scoop individual servings into mason jars for a fun picnic treat. For parties, small cups or mini bowls make for perfect self-serve appetizers. Layer in extra veggie slices or whole basil leaves for added wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Italian Pasta Salad will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, though you may want to add an extra splash of dressing before enjoying leftovers to revive the textures and taste.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh vegetables and cheese tend to get watery and lose their signature crunch once thawed. For make-ahead convenience, prep the pasta and veggies separately and combine them with the dressing just before serving instead.

Reheating

This salad is made to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s straight from the fridge and a bit too cold, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off, then give it a quick toss with some extra dressing and you’re all set.

FAQs

Can I substitute other pasta shapes for rotini?

Absolutely! Fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work great—just pick a shape with enough nooks to catch the dressing and veggies. Keeping the fun, colorful look adds to the appeal, but use what you have on hand without worry.

How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?

The key is in reserving a little extra Italian dressing to stir in just before serving. Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it sits, so a quick refresh before serving keeps your Easy Italian Pasta Salad lively and luscious.

What’s the best Italian dressing to use?

Your favorite store-bought works perfectly! I love Olive Garden Italian Dressing for its herby, tangy zip, but you can use a lite version or even homemade if you prefer. The flavor really shines through, so pick one you genuinely enjoy.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, diced salami, or chickpeas are delicious tossed right in. This is such a versatile recipe that welcomes add-ins, making it a full meal all on its own.

Is this salad gluten free or vegetarian?

As written, Easy Italian Pasta Salad is vegetarian, thanks to the feta and veggies. For gluten free, just swap in your favorite gluten free rotini and you’re set. Always double check your dressing and cheese for hidden ingredients if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to get creative, share good food, and celebrate simple flavors with every forkful. Give it a try for your next get-together or busy weeknight, and don’t be surprised when everyone wants seconds (and the recipe!).

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