Name: Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta; 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber); 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained; 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing (to taste)

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Colorful, quick, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors, Easy Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, effortlessly combining fresh veggies, briny feta, and perfectly cooked rotini in every bite. Whether you’re packing for a picnic, prepping a potluck dish, or looking for a fuss-free meal on a warm weeknight, this salad always delivers with vibrancy and a seriously craveable tang from your favorite Italian dressing. It comes together in a snap but tastes like you spent hours making it—absolutely my kind of dish!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is as simple as it is satisfying, thanks to a handful of essential, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one brings its own unique taste, texture, or splash of color to the mix—so don’t skip anything, but feel free to add a little extra of your personal favorites!

Tricolor rotini pasta (1 box, 12 oz): The cheerful swirl of colors isn’t just pretty—it helps hold onto that delicious dressing in all the right places!
Chopped cucumber (1 cup, peeled and seeded): Fresh and hydrating, cucumber adds crunch and a cool contrast, especially if you use mini/salad cucumbers with their tender, nearly seedless centers.
Halved cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup): These bite-size gems bring juicy sweetness and gorgeous pops of red to the dish.
Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Tangy and creamy, feta is the ingredient that truly gives this salad an irresistible Mediterranean flair.
Sliced black olives (1 can, 2.25 oz, drained): Olives add brininess and depth, plus those fun little rings look fantastic mixed in.
Finely diced red onion (1/4 cup): Just a bit brings the perfect zip and sharp bite to balance the salad’s creamy and savory notes.
Italian salad dressing (1/2 – 1 cup): This is where all the flavors mingle—choose a brand you love, and don’t be shy about taste testing as you go!

How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your tricolor rotini according to the package instructions—just remember to generously salt your pasta water (about 1-2 teaspoons) for the best flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This not only chills the noodles for salad-ready texture but also helps them soak up the zesty Italian dressing later.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Mix-Ins

While the pasta cooks, you can chop your cucumber (peel and seed it for the sweetest crunch), halve the tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and drain the olives. If you’re a feta fanatic like me, take a moment to revel in the anticipation of all that tangy cheese about to join the party—don’t hesitate to sneak a little extra in!

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Large Bowl

Add your cooled pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, and red onion into a big mixing bowl. Don’t skimp on the bowl size—you want plenty of room for everything to toss together without any mess!

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Start by pouring in about 1/2 cup of your chosen Italian dressing. Gently toss everything together, making sure every nook and cranny of pasta and veggies get coated in that zesty flavor. Taste and add more dressing if needed; I usually end up using about 3/4 cup for the perfect balance. Keep a little dressing aside to freshen up the salad before serving if you’re making it ahead.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve your Easy Italian Pasta Salad right away if you’re impatient (no judgment—it’s totally delicious!), or cover and stash it in the fridge for a couple of hours for a colder, deeper infusion of flavors. Just remember, the pasta soaks up dressing as it sits, so give it a stir and add an extra splash of dressing before enjoying.

How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, add a few fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of more crumbled feta, or cracked black pepper on top just before serving. A handful of fresh parsley is also a lovely touch, adding a gentle herbal note. The simple finish makes the Easy Italian Pasta Salad look as fresh and inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with anything from grilled chicken or shrimp to a hearty slice of garlic bread. It also shines next to summer classics like corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or a simple fruit salad. The beauty is, Easy Italian Pasta Salad plays well with just about everything at the cookout or dinner table!

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your pasta salad in individual mason jars for easy picnic or lunchbox servings, or serve it in a big, clear trifle bowl to highlight all those vibrant colors. You can even scoop it into small lettuce cups or mini bell pepper halves for a fun, bite-sized appetizer at your next party—so many cheerful ways to showcase this crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Easy Italian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for three to four days, making it perfect for meal prep, make-ahead lunches, or effortless snacking straight from the fridge. Just remember to stir in a little extra dressing before serving to revive the flavors.

Freezing

While technically you could freeze this salad, it’s not recommended. The veggies will lose their crunch and turn watery upon thawing, which really takes away from the fresh, lively texture that’s the hallmark of Easy Italian Pasta Salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled from the fridge only.

Reheating

This pasta salad shines when served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you really prefer it a little warmer, just let it sit out about 30 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving or heating on the stove, as that’ll soften the veggies and change the salad’s whole vibe.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While tri-color rotini is classic for Easy Italian Pasta Salad, feel free to use penne, bowties, or even whole wheat pasta—just stick with a shape that catches lots of dressing and veggie bits for the best flavor.

What’s the best Italian dressing for this recipe?

Choose a high-quality Italian dressing you genuinely love, since its flavor really stands out in this salad. My top pick is the Olive Garden Italian Dressing, but any zesty, well-seasoned store-bought or homemade variety works beautifully.

Can I make Easy Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is actually better after it’s had a little time to chill, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Just remember to add a bit more dressing before serving, as the pasta will soak it up as it sits.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Totally! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even cubes of salami make excellent additions, turning Easy Italian Pasta Salad into a heartier main dish. Just mix in your protein of choice right before serving.

What if I don’t like feta?

No worries! You can swap it out for mozzarella pearls, parmesan shavings, or even leave out the cheese entirely if you’d like a dairy-free version. This salad is endlessly customizable to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something that’s as joyful and delicious as it is easy to make, give this Easy Italian Pasta Salad a spot in your meal rotation—I’m certain it’ll become a new staple. Don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds, and you find yourself craving it for lunch all week long!