Quick & Easy Italian Pasta Salad

There’s nothing quite like taking a bite of a cool, refreshing pasta salad on a warm day, the flavors mingling beautifully in your mouth. This Quick & Easy Italian Pasta Salad comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect for summer gatherings or a filling weekday lunch. It works perfectly because the combination of fresh vegetables and fragrant basil creates a vibrant salad that’s both healthy and satisfying.

This recipe is ideal for families, potlucks, or anyone looking for a quick meal. It’s great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance; just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It uses just one pot for cooking the pasta, making cleanup a breeze.
• Fresh vegetables provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Prepare it quickly, with only a few steps to follow.
• The flavors meld beautifully when chilled and can be enjoyed for days.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to get started on your delicious pasta salad.

For the Salad

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

For Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitute Italian dressing with a homemade version for more flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use penne pasta instead of rotini.
• Feta cheese can replace mozzarella.
• Try one tablespoon of lemon juice for extra zest.
• Spinach can be added for more greens.

How to Make It

Start by cooking the pasta.
1. Cook
Prepare the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.

2. Combine
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and basil.

3. Dress
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Season
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, pasta changes texture when frozen.
Reheat: not recommended; best served cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Rinse the pasta in cold water to prevent overcooking.
• Feel free to add any leftover grilled chicken for protein.
• Use colorful vegetables for a more visually appealing dish.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Ideal for summer picnics or barbecues.
• Great as a side dish for potluck gatherings.