Description
A vibrant and refreshing Easy Italian Pasta Salad featuring tricolor rotini pasta, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny black olives, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2.25 oz sliced black olives
Dressing
- 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tricolor rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced black olives. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add dressing: Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of Italian salad dressing over the pasta mixture, depending on your preference. Gently stir to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute the feta cheese with mozzarella or parmesan if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing to your taste; start with half a cup and add more if desired.
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure to rinse the pasta well to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly.
