Can I make Italian Pasta Salad in advance?

Yes, Italian Pasta Salad can be made a few hours before serving, or even the day before. Just remember that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so be sure to stir in extra dressing before serving to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While rotini pasta is a great choice because its spirals hold the dressing well, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Feel free to experiment and use your favorite type of pasta.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the feta cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version or simply don’t like cheese. You can also add a vegan cheese substitute if you want to maintain that creamy texture.

How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If the pasta salad becomes dry after sitting in the fridge, simply stir in a little more Italian dressing before serving.

Italian Pasta Salad – Easy Recipe (No Cook)

Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing

Description

This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate go-to dish when you need something quick, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s packed with rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed together in Italian dressing. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to box instructions. Remember to salt your pasta water with 1-2 teaspoons of salt. When pasta is done, drain it and run cold water over it so the noodles can cool.
While the pasta is cooling, chop up cucumber, tomatoes, and dice the red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and red onion.
Pour Italian dressing over the mixture, starting with 1/2 cup, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing if desired.
Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Stir and add extra dressing if needed before serving.

Notes

Be sure to salt the pasta water before cooking the pasta.
Use an Italian dressing that you love, like Olive Garden Italian dressing.
For extra flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Add more dressing before serving if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 313 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 953mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 13mg