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Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. With vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to impress at any gathering!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced English cucumber
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until chilled.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice the red onion.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all vegetables and toss gently.
  4. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil.
  • Author: James
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Cold
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg