Italian pasta salad is a beloved dish that has become a staple at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With its vibrant combination of colorful vegetables, zesty dressing, and tender pasta, it’s a dish that appeals to people of all ages. Lina Vexley, a well-known chef, shares her love for this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish: “Italian pasta salad is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s light yet satisfying, with the tang of vinegar and the richness of olives and cheese. Every bite is a little celebration of Italy’s fresh, hearty ingredients.”
WP Recipe Maker Format
Italian Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta (rotini or penne) cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup Cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1/4 cup Black Olives sliced
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian Dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the Italian dressing, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the salad. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad
To make an Italian pasta salad, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool. While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. The contrast of textures—from the tender pasta to the crunchy vegetables—creates a delightful base for the salad.
Next, add the Italian dressing, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and vegetables with the dressing. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. This step also helps the pasta absorb the flavors of the dressing and herbs.
Once chilled, serve your Italian pasta salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Conclusion
Italian pasta salad is an easy and versatile dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or packing it for a picnic, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta creates a satisfying, yet light salad that everyone will love. Enjoy this classic dish and feel the Italian vibes in every bite!