Easy Pasta Salad for Quick Lunch and Dinner Sides
A fresh Easy Pasta Salad made with tender pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a light Italian-style dressing perfect for gatherings and quick meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, cheese, and olives if using.
- In a small bowl, mix Italian dressing, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add parsley and mix lightly.
- Chill before serving and stir again prior to serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add a small amount of dressing before serving if the salad appears dry after chilling.