Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that never fails? This Italian pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Packed with crunchy vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and savory extras, it’s the ultimate go-to for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Pro Tips:
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours.
- Customize: Add salami, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini for extra flavor.
- Use tri-color pasta for a festive, colorful look.
This Italian pasta salad is the perfect combination of tangy, crunchy, and satisfying—guaranteed to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering! Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free or vegetarian variation.