You need a hero on a hot Tuesday night. I get it. The last thing you want is a complicated recipe after a long day.
You need something fast, fresh, and fantastic. Something that screams summer but doesn’t shout “hours of work.”
That’s where this Classic Italian Dressing Easy Pasta Salad comes in. It’s your weeknight savior and your potluck superstar, all in one bowl. For another quick and creamy pasta option, you might love this lemon ricotta pasta.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus optional chill time)
- Servings: 8 as a side
Ultimate Guide to Classic Italian Dressing Easy Pasta Salad
This isn’t just another pasta salad recipe. This is your new go-to. The one you’ll make on repeat all summer long.
Why? Because it nails the three things we busy cooks need most. Maximum flavor from a dressing you probably already have. Crazy-fast assembly with minimal chopping. And total, no-stress ease.
It’s the perfect summer side dish. It’s a potluck recipe that always gets empty bowls. It’s the BBQ side that disappears first. Let’s make it.
The Simple Ingredients
I love this because it’s mostly pantry and fridge staples. No fancy trips to the store required. Here’s what you need.
- 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
- 1 (16 oz) bottle classic Italian dressing (I use the zesty kind!)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 (6 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 (8 oz) block mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? The clock starts now. This process is incredibly simple. We’re talking four main steps to deliciousness.
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions for “al dente.” This is key! Mushy pasta is a sad pasta. Drain it and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking.
- Chop your veggies. While the pasta cooks, get your tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion ready. Toss them all into a huge mixing bowl. The one you make salad in.
- Combine everything. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies. Throw in the olives, cubed mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and a few cranks of black pepper. Pour about 3/4 of the bottle of Italian dressing over everything.
- Mix and marinate. Gently toss everything until it’s beautifully coated. Taste it! Need more zip? Add the rest of the dressing. For the best flavor, cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This lets the flavors really get to know each other.
What to Serve With This Dish
This pasta salad is a team player. It makes any simple main dish feel like a feast. Here are my favorite fast pairings.
Classic Italian Dressing Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Classic Italian Dressing Easy Pasta Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Throw some chicken breasts or burgers on the grill. This salad is the perfect cool, tangy contrast to smoky BBQ. For a heartier, veggie-packed pasta main, try this delicious spinach mushroom pasta.
Need a no-cook night? Grab some sliced deli ham, salami, and crusty bread. Instant antipasto platter! It also packs beautifully for picnics and lunches.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Don’t have something? No sweat. This recipe is a fantastic base. Make it work for you with these easy swaps.
Use any short pasta you have. Penne, farfalle, or shells work great. Swap the mozzarella for provolone or cheddar cubes.
Add some pepperoni slices or chickpeas for extra protein. Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for more color. You really can’t mess this up.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This salad gets better the next day! Store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days. The pasta might soak up some dressing, so give it a stir and add a tiny splash more before serving again.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
*Nutrition is an estimate per serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Making it a few hours ahead lets the flavors blend perfectly. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have bottled Italian dressing?
No problem! Whisk together 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and salt & pepper. Boom, homemade dressing in 2 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta with grooves or shapes that hold the dressing works. Rotini is my favorite because the dressing clings to every spiral.
See? I told you it was easy. You just made a crowd-pleasing dish that looks like you fussed, but we know the truth. You’re a weeknight genius.
This Classic Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is your ticket to more free time and more compliments. It’s the reliable recipe you’ll come back to all season.
Now go enjoy your creation and that extra hour you saved! Did you love it? Did your family gobble it up? Let me know by leaving a comment and rating below!
