Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is a vibrant medley of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings. Each bite is a burst of flavor that evokes memories of joyful picnics and family get-togethers. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish will quickly become a favorite at any event.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, assorted colors)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables.
- Add the black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and Italian dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Stir in the chopped basil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Use homemade Italian dressing for enhanced flavor. Customize veggies based on your preference—zucchini or artichokes can be great additions.