Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Italian Pasta Salad! Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Whether you're planning a picnic, a potluck, or just craving a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to instant flavor paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Rinse 1 cup of cherry tomatoes under cold water and then slice them in half. Set aside.
- Next, take 1 cup of cucumber, wash it thoroughly, and dice it into small cubes. Place the diced cucumber in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and add them to the mixing bowl with the cucumber.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the cucumber and olives. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Pour 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again to combine.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is slightly firm pasta that doesn't become mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse with cold water and let it cool before adding other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend and develop.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to add grilled chicken, fresh herbs like basil, or swap vegetables based on your preference.
- Chill for best results: While you can serve at room temperature, chilling for 30 minutes can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing: The dressing makes a huge difference, so opt for a premium brand or make your own from scratch.Pro Tip: This pasta salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 351kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
