Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tricolor rotini pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, sharp red onions, salty black olives, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner, this pasta salad can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 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
Cheese and Olives
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
Dressing
- 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tricolor rotini pasta according to the package directions, typically about 8-10 minutes until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, peel and seed the cucumber, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion to prepare for mixing.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and diced red onion. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Add dressing: Pour 1/2 cup of Italian salad dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Taste the salad and gradually add up to 1/2 cup more dressing, a few tablespoons at a time, until you achieve your preferred flavor and consistency.
- Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, you can add a little more dressing as the pasta will absorb some while chilling. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- The salad can be served immediately if short on time, but chilling enhances the flavors.
- You can use your favorite brand of Italian dressing or make a homemade version.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Can be customized by adding other veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
