Description
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that makes the perfect addition to any gathering. Bursting with tender rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, and drizzled with zesty Italian dressing, this salad not only serves as a delightful side but shines as a centerpiece on your table. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or attending a potluck, this easy-to-make salad is sure to impress both family and friends. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s also customizable—add your favorite proteins or veggies for delicious variations. Allow the flavors to meld by chilling the salad before serving for an even more enjoyable experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (1-pound) box tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 sliced red onion
- 1 cup sliced olives
- 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and mozzarella.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad mixture and sprinkle with fresh herbs; toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg