Italian Pasta Salad
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Looking for a fresh, flavorful side dish that everyone will love? This Italian Pasta Salad is colorful, easy to make, and packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a bright Italian dressing. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or small gatherings, it’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
½ lb (about 2 cups) rotini pasta
Vegetables
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
2–3 black olives, sliced (or ¼ cup)
½ red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese & Herbs
2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Dressing
⅓ cup Italian dressing
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch salt and black pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.Prep the veggies
Chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.Combine
In a medium bowl, mix pasta, vegetables, feta, and parsley.Make dressing & toss
Whisk together Italian dressing, vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat.Chill & serve
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Italian Pasta Salad FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep it covered until ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini works best because it holds dressing well, but penne, farfalle, or bowtie pasta are great substitutes.
3. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. For vegetarian, just leave out meat if you add any. For vegan, swap feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Italian dressing.
4. How long will it keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts 3–4 days. Add a little extra dressing before serving if it seems dry.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts make great additions. Just chop them small so they blend well with the pasta.
6. Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, store-bought Italian dressing works perfectly. Homemade dressing is great if you want extra tang and freshness.
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Hi, I’m Regina of The Faithful Feast. I'm also a writer and catering business owner. I live in the Buckeye State with my wonderful family, where our weekends are often filled with football games and faith-filled conversations. I’m passionate about encouraging women to notice God’s goodness in everyday life, especially over a cozy cup of tea. Whether I’m sharing a soul-warming recipe or writing words that encourage you, my heart is to inspire you to find joy and purpose right where you are.
