Italian Pasta Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish to whip up for gatherings or just a simple meal at home. It’s colorful, refreshing, and packed with various flavors. This salad is not only easy to make but also allows you to incorporate fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, the vibrant ingredients add a nice crunch and taste that everyone will love.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Bell pepper
• Black olives
• Italian dressing
• Balsamic vinegar
• McCormick Salad Supreme
• Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and black olives.
3. Pour in Italian dressing and balsamic vinegar; stir until evenly coated.
4. Add McCormick Salad Supreme and toss again.
5. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

To serve Italian Pasta Salad, place it in a large bowl or divide it into individual bowls. You can add more fresh basil on top for extra flavor. This salad goes great with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. It is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks!

How to Store Italian Pasta Salad

Store any leftover Italian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you notice that the pasta is soaking up the dressing, you can drizzle a little extra dressing on it before serving again.

Tips to Make Italian Pasta Salad

• Use whole grain rotini for a healthier option.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell pepper or zucchini for more variety.
• If you prefer it with some protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Make it a day ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add feta cheese or mozzarella balls for a creamy texture. You may also try different dressings, like a Greek or ranch dressing, to change the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or bowties. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions.

2. Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add any veggies or proteins you love, such as spinach, carrots, or grilled chicken.

3. How long can I keep this salad?
You can store Italian Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the pasta may become soggy if left too long in the dressing.

Italian Pasta Salad

A colorful, refreshing dish perfect for gatherings or a simple meal, packed with fresh vegetables and flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 oz Rotini pasta Whole grain for a healthier option is recommended.
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved.
• 1 cup Cucumber Diced.
• 1/2 cup Red onion Finely chopped.
• 1 cup Bell pepper Chopped.
• 1/2 cup Black olives Sliced.

Dressing

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing Can adjust amount based on taste.
• 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme Can substitute with other seasonings.
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil Optional garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and black olives.
3. Pour in Italian dressing and balsamic vinegar; stir until evenly coated.
4. Add McCormick Salad Supreme and toss again.
5. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual bowls. Add more fresh basil on top for extra flavor. Pairs well with grilled meats and great for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.