Easy Italian Pasta Salad Crowd Favorite

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines al dente pasta with a variety of colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect option for potlucks, picnics, or as a simple side dish at family gatherings.

This easy salad recipe requires minimal preparation and can be made in advance. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty Italian dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad recipe features cooked pasta mixed with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it serves 6 people and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 bell pepper diced (any color)
1/2 cup black or green olives sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed or mini balls
1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
1/2 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.