Deliciously Simple Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes. Perfect for summer picnics or casual dinner parties, this dish combines the flavors of Italy with easy preparation. The keyword for today's recipe is "Italian pasta salad."

This classic salad features al dente pasta tossed in an Italian dressing, along with a variety of colorful vegetables and protein sources. It’s a versatile meal that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed at your leisure.

Ingredients

8 ounces (225 grams) of penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
⅓ cup Italian salad dressing
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, black olives (if using), hard-boiled eggs, bell pepper, Italian salad dressing, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a day ahead of time. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.

How to Prepare Italian Pasta Salad in Advance

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining because it can be prepared in advance. After mixing the ingredients and tossing them together, you can cover and store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This saves time on busy weekdays when you need a quick and healthy lunch.

Health Benefits of Italian Pasta Salad

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The inclusion of vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions provides essential vitamins like vitamin C, K, and A, which are important for immune function, skin health, and vision.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

Serve this pasta salad at room temperature or chilled. It’s great as a side dish but can also be the main course with a simple green salad on the side. You could even add some grilled chicken for extra protein.

Cooking Time and Number of Servings

The total cooking time for this Italian pasta salad is approximately 45 minutes, including the time it needs to cool down in the refrigerator. The recipe yields about six servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

To make your next meal preparation easier and quicker, try our easy-to-follow Italian pasta salad recipe. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite part of your regular meal rotation!