Best Pasta Salad Italian Dressing: The ULTIMATE Recipe

Best pasta salad italian dressing is the dish I turn to when I need something quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of fresh ingredients, tossed in a tangy, homemade Italian dressing that makes every bite sing. It reminds me of sunny afternoons spent with family, laughing and sharing stories over a big bowl of something delicious. Best pasta salad italian dressing is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal.

I’m thrilled to share it with you – let’s get cooking!

Why You Will Love This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

This best pasta salad italian dressing recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh flavors. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

What makes this recipe special? The homemade Italian dressing! It’s bright, zesty, and perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of tang. It elevates the entire dish, transforming a basic pasta salad into something truly extraordinary. It’s comfort food that’s both light and satisfying. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Want to expand you cooking repertoire? Give my recipe for the Easy Sausage And Egg Casserole Best Breakfast Recipe Ever a try.

Ingredients Needed for This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed (fresh mozzarella pearls are also great)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced (optional)

For the Italian Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

How to Make This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.

1. 2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, thinly slice the red onion, dice the bell pepper and cucumber, and cube the mozzarella cheese. Chop the fresh parsley. If you’re adding pepperoni, slice it thinly.

1. 3. Make the Italian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

1. 4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, mozzarella cheese, parsley, and pepperoni (if using).

1. 5. Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

1. 6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps to marry the ingredients and intensify the taste of the best pasta salad italian dressing. Before serving, give it another toss and add more dressing if needed. Maybe enjoy some relaxing time with the 12 Best Delicious And Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipes The Little Shine 2 while the salad chills.

How to Serve This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

This best pasta salad italian dressing is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course or a side dish. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal on a hot day.

It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. It’s also a great addition to a picnic basket or a potluck spread. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish. For a fun twist, serve it in individual mason jars for a portable and visually appealing presentation.

How to Store This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover best pasta salad italian dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving. Freezing: Freezing this salad is not recommended! Pasta can become mushy and the vegetables lose their texture. For the best quality, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it. Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

Tips to Make This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing.
• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the salad. Use fresh, ripe vegetables for the best results.
• Make the dressing ahead of time: The Italian dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
• Taste and adjust seasonings: Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Add protein: If you want to make this pasta salad a complete meal, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.

Helpful Notes for This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

• Pasta Choice: I recommend using rotini or penne pasta, as their ridges and grooves help to hold onto the dressing. However, you can use any short pasta shape you like, such as farfalle (bowties) or fusilli.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini) are a great addition to this salad, but you can also use cubed mozzarella or even shredded mozzarella.

Variation of This best pasta salad italian dressing Recipe

• Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni for a vegetarian version. You can add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños for a spicier version. A warm mug of The Best Hot Chocolate Ever Crock Pot Recipe 3 is a perfect finish to the meal.
• Summer Time: Take the best pasta salad italian dressing on a picnic with you.

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Conclusion

This best pasta salad italian dressing is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, it’s sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful best pasta salad italian dressing as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!