Pasta salad with Italian dressing is a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s light, flavorful, and versatile, making it an ideal side or even a main dish for gatherings, picnics, or weeknight meals. The tangy, herbaceous Italian dressing adds a burst of flavor to the pasta and vegetables, while the textures of different ingredients make each bite exciting. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through creating this favorite.
1. Pasta Salad Recipe With Italian Dressing
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound of pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (or mini mozzarella balls)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Italian Dressing
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, chop the red onion, and slice the olives. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Salad: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to a large mixing bowl. Toss in the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion, olives, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Garnish the salad with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve chilled.
2. Tips For Perfect Pasta Salad
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Pasta should be cooked just until it’s firm to the bite, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the dressing. Overcooking pasta can lead to a mushy salad, so make sure you follow the recommended cooking time.
Cool the Pasta: Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from sticking together. Cooling the pasta will also stop the cooking process, ensuring it stays firm.
Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of oil, vinegar, and spices in the dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, crisp vegetables will add crunch and vibrancy to the salad. Opt for seasonal vegetables for the best flavors.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste.
3. Recipe Variations
Pasta salad is highly versatile, so feel free to mix up the ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, ham, or tuna for a more filling meal. Sauteed shrimp also makes a great addition.
Cheese Choices: Swap the mozzarella for feta, Parmesan, or goat cheese. Each type of cheese brings its own flavor to the salad.
Greens: Toss in some baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for added color and nutrition.
Nuts and Seeds: For an extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds.
Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes, jalapeño slices, or spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Roasted Vegetables: For a deeper flavor, try adding roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes.
4. Store & Make-Ahead Instructions
Make-Ahead: Pasta salad is a great dish to prepare in advance. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will intensify as the salad sits, making it even better the next day.
Storage: If you have leftover pasta salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3-4 days. After storing, you may notice that the pasta has absorbed some of the dressing. If this happens, you can add a little extra dressing to refresh the salad.
With these instructions, tips, and variations in this article, I hope that your pasta salad with Italian dressing is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Customize it to fit your tastes, and enjoy this refreshing, flavorful dish!
