Easy Italian Pasta Salad – A Refreshing, Flavorful Dish

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing side dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a quick meal prep option. Bursting with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and zesty Italian dressing, this pasta salad comes together quickly and is a real crowd-pleaser. The tricolor rotini pasta adds a pop of color, while the olives and red onion lend an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.

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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 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• ½ – 1 cup Italian salad dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a pot of salted water (with 1-2 teaspoons of salt) to a boil, and cook the rotini pasta according to the box instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and finely diced red onion.

3. Add the Dressing:

• Pour ½ cup of Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together. Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking—starting with ½ cup and adding more if needed. Typically, about ¾ cup of dressing gives the salad a nice coating. Save the rest of the dressing to add just before serving if the pasta absorbs some of the liquid.

4. Chill and Serve:

• The salad can be served immediately, but it’s even better when chilled in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad more refreshing. If needed, add a little extra dressing before serving to freshen it up.

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Tips & Variations:

• Customizable Veggies: Feel free to mix in other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added crunch and color.
• Cheese Alternatives: While feta adds a tangy bite, you can swap it for mozzarella pearls or goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• Dressing Tip: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep a little extra dressing on hand to toss it in just before serving. This helps the salad stay fresh and flavorful, as the pasta may soak up some of the dressing while it sits.
• Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, salami slices, or even pepperoni to turn this pasta salad into a complete meal.
• Storage: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping!

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This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a versatile, tasty dish that’s as delicious served right away as it is after a few hours of chilling. The bright flavors and colorful presentation make it a hit at any gathering!