Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Quick and Colorful Italian Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

This Quick and Colorful Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and colors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 24 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Tri-Color Rotini Feel free to substitute with any short pasta.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Kraft's Zesty Italian Dressing Homemade Italian vinaigrette works as an alternative.
For Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Italian Seasoning Can swap with individual dried herbs.
  • 2 tsp Sweet Basil Using fresh basil enhances flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be substituted.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used sparingly.
For Creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan substitute.
For Extra Flavor
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Olives Personalize based on taste.
  • 1 cup Cubed Colby Jack Cheese Feel free to switch with your favorite cheese.
  • 1/2 cup Mini Pepperoni Omit for vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Sliced Green Pepper Any bell pepper can work.
  • 1 cup Sliced Onion Opt for milder varieties if preferred.
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Juicy bites that brighten the dish.
  • 1/2 cup Mini Croutons Sprinkle on top before serving for extra crunch.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the tri-color rotini, and cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Combine Dressing and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine Kraft's Zesty Italian Dressing, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk until blended.
  3. Mix Pasta with Dressing: Add cooled rotini into the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Add Cheese and Mix: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently fold to enhance creaminess.
  5. Incorporate Additional Ingredients: Mix sliced olives, cubed cheese, mini pepperoni, green pepper, onion, and tomatoes into the salad.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize your salad with your favorite add-ins for a personalized touch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!