Best 3 Quick Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

With its vibrant flavors, colorful ingredients, and versatility, Italian pasta salad is a culinary delight that captivates taste buds and brings a sense of merriments to any gathering. It's a quick and easy dish that offers a medley of textures, from the al dente pasta to the crisp vegetables, and a symphony of flavors, from the tangy dressing to the aromatic herbs. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this article will guide you through creating the best Italian pasta salad that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving for more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

A quick and flavorful pasta salad with salami and bell peppers.

Provided by Trish

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
¾ pound Italian salami, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
3 (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix, or to taste
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.2 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 1893.1 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Quick Italian Pasta Salad image

I came up with this recipe after making the boxed kind for many years and I would doctor it up with fresh veggies, so I thought why not just make my own! It's super quick and easy and you can add as much or as many veggies that you like or use your own favorite dressing.

Provided by Meekocu2

Categories European

Time 38m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) box barilla tri-color spiral pasta
1 (16 fluid ounce) bottle kraft zesty fat-free Italian salad dressing
1 medium cucumber
1 medium bell pepper (any color will do)
3 medium roma tomatoes
1/2 medium red onion (purple)
1 small zucchini or 1 medium zucchini
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
diced cheese (optional)
diced pepperoni (optional)

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to drain well.
Cut cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into bite sized pieces. Place into the bowl you will be using for the salad.
Cut tomatoes in half and and in half again and deseed. Cut into bite sized pieces. Add to the bowl.
Cut stem and bottom off zucchini. Shred zucchini and add to the other vegetables.
Make sure the pasta is very well drained, and add to the bowl.
Pour salad dressing over pasta and vegetables. Use as little or as much as you like. I think it needs quite a bit since the pasta will soak some up.
Add the italian seasoning.
Mix well and chill at least 4 to 6 hours or over night for best flavors. Stirring occasionally.
To serve top with diced cheese and pepperoni if using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203, Fat 1.3, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.1, Sodium 638.6, Carbohydrate 40.9, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 8.3, Protein 7

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

QUICK ITALIAN PASTA SALAD image

Categories Pasta Pepper Sausage

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounce) tri-color rotini pasta
3/4 pound Italian salami, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
3 packages (.7 ounce) dry Italian-style dressing mix, or to taste
1 can (6 ounce) black olives, sliced
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls/ciliegine
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
Combine pasta, salami, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, salad dressing, olives, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
Mix dry salad dressing into pasta; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

Use high-quality pasta: The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Choose a pasta that is made with high-quality durum wheat and that has a good texture. Some good options include penne, rotini, and farfalle.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal texture for cooked pasta. Pasta that is al dente is still slightly firm to the bite and has a slight chewiness. To achieve al dente pasta, cook it for the amount of time specified on the package, minus one minute.
Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will give your pasta salad the best flavor and texture. When choosing vegetables, look for ones that are brightly colored and crisp. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Choose a good dressing: The dressing is what will bring all the flavors of your pasta salad together. Choose a dressing that is flavorful and that complements the other ingredients in the salad. Some good options include a vinaigrette, a pesto, or a creamy dressing.
Add some protein: If you want to make your pasta salad a more substantial meal, add some protein. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add some beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, and it can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.