This easy pasta salad is perfect for a big group! It’s colorful, tasty, and loaded with fresh veggies and pasta. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s sure to please everyone!
Plus, it’s a breeze to make ahead of time. I love tossing it together the night before so the flavors can mingle. This dish is perfect for picnics, parties, or just because we love pasta! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini: This pasta shape is fun and holds dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, penne or farfalle work great too! Just whatever pasta you have on hand.
Black Olives: These add a nice briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them or use green olives as an alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and fresh! You can substitute with diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have, but they might make the salad a bit watery.
Mozerella Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its creaminess. You can swap it for feta for a tangy twist or even leave it out for a dairy-free option.
Italian Dressing: This keeps the salad bright and flavorful. Try a homemade mix with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs if you want more control over taste. Or, use balsamic dressing for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Pasta for Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key for a great salad! Follow these steps:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the rotini and cook until just al dente according to package directions—this usually means slightly firm in the center.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Ensure the pasta is drained thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad!
By following these steps, your pasta will be perfectly firm and ready to soak up all that yummy dressing!
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or cubed)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (bottled or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and you’ll want to let it chill for at least 1 hour. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to delicious serving time. Perfect for making ahead of your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the tri-color rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly! Make sure to drain it well to avoid soggy salad.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the sliced black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped celery, and the mozzarella cheese cubes. If you like onion, sprinkle in the finely chopped red onion too!
3. Dress It Up:
Next, pour the Italian dressing over your salad mix. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing.
4. Season and Chill:
Don’t forget to season your pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to mix it all together again. Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After it’s chilled, give the salad a quick stir and serve it up! You can enjoy it straight from the fridge or serve it at room temperature. Everyone will love this colorful and tasty dish!
Happy Cooking! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds a fun look, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture in the salad!
How to Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute it with dairy-free cheese. Also, check the Italian dressing to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products! A homemade vinaigrette could also work well.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pasta salad with additional ingredients like cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the dressing to keep everything balanced!
