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The Best Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Bright and zesty pasta salad with crisp veggies, briny olives, and tangy feta, perfect for potlucks and picnics.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne), cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and olives.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad.
  4. Pour 1/2 cup Italian dressing on top and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld, up to overnight.
  7. Before serving, give it a final toss and add extra dressing if it looks dry.

Notes

For added flavor, adjust salt and pepper before chilling and reserve some feta for serving.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, summer side, picnic food, potluck recipe