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Easy Zesty Cold Pasta Salad Recipe with 5-Minute Italian Dressing Mix

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A quick and easy cold pasta salad tossed with a fresh, homemade zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or casual dinners, this flavorful salad combines pasta, fresh veggies, and cheese for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, slice ½ cup black olives, dice 1 small cucumber, and chop ½ cup red bell pepper if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and ½ cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to stop heat and remove excess starch to prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust dressing amount to avoid sogginess. Prep veggies and dressing while pasta cooks to save time. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cold pasta salad, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-zesty-cold-pasta-salad-recipe-5-minute-italian-dressing-mix/