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Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad perfect for potlucks or a light summer meal. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is easy to customize to your liking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 1 pound Rotini Pasta
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese optional
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.
  3. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
  4. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (if using).
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 2-4 hours or overnight.
  7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta and cheeses!