Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

Cold pasta salad with Italian dressing is a refreshing dish that’s as vibrant as a summer day. Picture al dente pasta mingling with colorful veggies, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that dances on your palate. Your taste buds are in for a wild ride with this delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Now, let me take you back to the glorious summer BBQs of my childhood, where the sun shone bright and laughter filled the air. Family gathered around the grill, and I was the unofficial pasta salad queen. This dish quickly became a crowd favorite, evoking smiles and satisfied sighs. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, cold pasta salad with Italian dressing promises to be a hit at any gathering.

I’ll never forget the time I brought this pasta salad to a friend’s picnic; everyone kept coming back for seconds—and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—fusilli or penne work great for holding onto that dressing.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose vibrant red ones; they add sweetness and juiciness.

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing; be sure to peel it if the skin is tough.

• Bell Peppers: A mix of colors brightens up the dish while adding crunch.

• Red Onion: Adds sharpness; soak it in water first to mellow its flavor.

• Italian Dressing: Go for homemade or store-bought; either option adds zing!

• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated cheese gives a nutty flavor explosion.

• Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): These will elevate your cold pasta salad with freshness; chop them finely!

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

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. The more colorful, the better!

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Drizzle generously with Italian dressing and toss to combine thoroughly.

Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Sprinkle chopped basil and parsley over your mixture along with grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold everything together for even distribution.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to mingle beautifully!

Serve and Enjoy!: Give your cold pasta salad another stir just before serving. Ladle onto plates or bowls—enjoy the compliments that come your way!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente and cooling it under cold water. While it cools, chop your veggies and prepare the Italian dressing for a seamless assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Add grilled chicken, olives, or even chickpeas for extra protein and flavor. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store your cold pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. There’s no need to reheat; serve it chilled for maximum freshness.

The first time I made this cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, my friends devoured it within minutes! Their laughter and compliments made me realize this dish was destined to be a summer staple.

FAQ

Can I use whole grain pasta for this recipe?

Whole grain pasta works great in a cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, adding extra fiber.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Cold pasta salad with Italian dressing typically lasts up to three days when stored properly.

What vegetables are best in a cold pasta salad?

Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add vibrant flavor and texture to your salad.

Print

Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

---

• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cold pasta salad with Italian dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. With al dente pasta and a medley of colorful vegetables, this salad is tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that elevates every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches, it’s a crowd-pleaser that promises to evoke smiles and satisfied sighs.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and drizzle with Italian dressing. Toss well to mix.
4. Add the chopped basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition. Customize with any veggies you have on hand for a personal touch.