Best 2 Italian Dressing Pasta Salad Recipes

Summer means time for light and refreshing meals, which is why pasta salad suits the season so well. The beauty of pasta salad lies in its versatility – it can be adapted to any diet, preference, or occasion. Whether you prefer classic Italian dressing with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or something more unique like a creamy pesto sauce with grilled chicken, there's a pasta salad recipe out there for everyone.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN DRESSING PASTA SALAD

Italian Dressing Pasta Salad image

This colorful salad is hearty enough to be a light meal in itself. It's a great make-ahead dish, since the full flavors of the herbs and veggies need a little time to blend. For more tasty ideas, check out these other cold pasta salad recipes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 36 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 packages (12 ounces each) tricolor spiral pasta
2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen California-blend vegetables, thawed
2 pints grape tomatoes
1 large zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 large yellow summer squash, quartered and thinly sliced
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese, cubed
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
Grated Romano cheese, optional

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain well. In two large bowls, combine the California vegetables, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, cheeses and pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Stir in olives. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. , Toss before serving. Serve with Romano cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Asparagus Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by Late2Serenity

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

For the dressing:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the salad:
1 pound asparagus
2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or rotini
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined. Set the dressing aside. Make the pasta salad: Remove the tough stems of the asparagus then cut each spear into 1-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 to 11 minutes, then add the asparagus to the pot and cook it with pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse it with cold water. Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, tossing to combine, then cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan cheese and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
Use a variety of vegetables in your salad to add flavor, texture, and color.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of dressing.
Make sure to season the salad to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve the salad immediately, or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Italian dressing pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With so many different variations, there's sure to be an Italian dressing pasta salad that everyone will love.

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