The Best Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad filled with colorful vegetables and coated in zesty Italian dressing, perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta (cooked and drained) Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium Cucumber (diced)
- 1 piece Bell Pepper (diced; any color)
- 1 small Red Onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup Olives (sliced; Halal-friendly) Use any variety you like.
- ½ cup Italian Dressing Store-bought or homemade.
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or Basil (chopped for garnish) Optional, for garnish.
- Salt & Pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- While the pasta cools, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Add them along with the olives to the bowl of cooled pasta.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to enhance the flavors.
Notes
For a halal version, consider using Halal-friendly cheese or grilled chicken as protein options. Prepare a few hours in advance for optimal flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If freezing, omit the dressing and veggies.