Vibrant Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, combining vibrant vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta. Picture this: fresh basil wafting through the air, juicy cherry tomatoes dancing beside crunchy cucumbers, all drizzled with zesty Italian dressing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to twirl around your kitchen, singing an aria of culinary joy.

I remember the first time I served this Spring Pasta Salad at a family picnic. My aunt Margaret took one bite and proclaimed it “the best thing since sliced bread.” That glowing review was followed by a chorus of nods and enthusiastic chews from my cousins. It became our go-to dish for sunny days and backyard BBQs, promising delightful flavors that spark joy.

I once made this pasta salad for a gathering where it quickly vanished, leaving only an empty bowl and some very happy taste buds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use any short pasta like rotini or penne; they hold onto the dressing beautifully.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose firm, juicy tomatoes; their sweetness adds vibrancy to the dish.

• Cucumbers: Opt for seedless cucumbers for crunch without bitterness; they keep everything fresh.

• Red Onion: Thinly slice red onions for a mild yet flavorful kick; soak them in water if too sharp.

• Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers; they add sweetness and visual appeal to the salad.

• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brings aromatic notes; always tear the leaves instead of cutting them for better flavor release.

• Italian Dressing: Store-bought or homemade works fine; just ensure it’s packed with herbs and zest!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Don’t forget to tear those fragrant basil leaves!

Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with all chopped vegetables. Toss gently so you don’t squish anything!

Add the Dressing: Drizzle your favorite Italian dressing over the salad. Toss gently again until every piece is coated in zesty goodness.

Chill Before Serving: Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully.

Enjoy every bite as friends and family savor this refreshing Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. While the pasta cools, chop your veggies and whisk together the Italian dressing. This sequence ensures everything combines perfectly and maintains freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your favorites or what’s in season. Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cheese for extra protein and flavor. The beauty of this salad is its endless customization options tailored to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy the salad cold; no reheating necessary as it’s meant to be refreshing and light.

Sharing this Spring Pasta Salad with friends always brings smiles and compliments; everyone loves how colorful and tasty it is. One summer BBQ, my friend declared it “the salad of dreams,” leaving me both flattered and slightly confused about how a salad could reach such heights.

FAQ

What can I substitute for pasta in this recipe?

Try quinoa or couscous for a gluten-free alternative that still holds flavor well.

How long does the dressing last?

Homemade Italian dressing lasts about one week when stored properly in the fridge.

Can I add meat to this Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp can enhance protein content while adding great flavor.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a lively, refreshing dish that combines colorful vegetables with al dente pasta, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, this salad bursts with flavor and is easy to customize based on seasonal produce. With fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, each bite offers a delightful crunch and a taste of sunshine.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup seedless cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and slice the red onion. Tear the basil leaves.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with all chopped vegetables and basil. Toss gently.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg