Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

When the sun is shining, and the grill is sizzling, there’s nothing quite like a cold pasta salad with Italian dressing to elevate your outdoor gatherings. Picture this: a vibrant bowl filled with colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. That’s right, my friend; this dish is not just a sidekick at summer barbecues but the star of the show!

Every bite bursts with flavors that remind me of those lazy summer afternoons spent at my grandma’s house. She would whip up a massive bowl of this salad for family reunions, and the aroma alone could draw everyone in from miles away. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this cold pasta salad is an exciting blend of simplicity and sophistication that promises to impress even the pickiest eaters.

I remember one summer picnic where my cousin took one bite and declared it “life-changing.” It was a moment I’ll never forget!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type like rotini or penne; they hold dressing beautifully.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor; they add a burst of sweetness.

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing; choose firm cucumbers for crunch.

• Bell Peppers: Any color works; they bring vibrant hues and delightful sweetness.

• Red Onion: Thinly slice for a mild yet zesty crunch; soak in water if too strong.

• Italian Dressing: Store-bought works wonders, but homemade adds extra love.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds richness; sprinkle generously before serving.

• Fresh Basil: Adds aromatic freshness; tear leaves right before adding for maximum flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools down, chop cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumber into small cubes, and slice bell peppers into thin strips. Don’t forget to finely chop red onion—just imagine those vibrant colors coming together!

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Drizzle generous amounts of Italian dressing over the top—don’t be shy!

Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top along with torn basil leaves. Mix everything gently until combined—feel free to use your hands for that rustic touch.

Chill Before Serving: Cover your salad with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so all those flavors get cozy together!

With these simple steps, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable cold pasta salad with Italian dressing that’s sure to please any crowd! Enjoy each bite—you deserve it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente, then prepare the dressing while it cools. Toss everything together for a cohesive flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on your taste! Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Keep your cold pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days without losing its crunch.

Sometimes, I whip this dish up for last-minute gatherings, and friends rave about how delicious it is—who knew Italian dressing could be so magical?

FAQ

What kind of pasta works best for a cold pasta salad with Italian dressing?

Short pastas like fusilli or penne are ideal as they hold the dressing well.

Can I make this cold pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after marinating in the fridge overnight.

How do I prevent my vegetables from getting soggy?

Consider adding crunchy veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers right before serving.

Print

Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant cold pasta salad, featuring perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. This dish is not just a side; it’s the star of the show! Ideal for picnics and potlucks, this refreshing salad is easy to prepare, customizable, and bursting with flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice bell peppers, and finely chop red onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and chopped vegetables. Drizzle with Italian dressing and mix well.
4. Add grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves; gently toss to combine.
5. Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg