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Easy Pasta Salad

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This recipe for Easy Pasta Salad is a pot luck classic! Loaded with fresh pasta, red peppers, red onions, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, and cheese brought together with Italian Salad Dressing. Pasta Salads are perfect for serving at BBQs, family gatherings, neighborhood potlucks or serve as the main dish at home for dinner. 

Looking for other simple salad recipes? Check out some of these pasta salads: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Tomato Basil Pasta Salad or Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

colorful spiral pasta in a vegetable, pasta salad

I just love how versatile Pasta Salads are, you can load this up with whatever veggies you have in the crisper drawer and it will still taste amazing. The best cold pasta salad for summer can be put together quickly so you can make this when you get that last-minute invitation to come over for dinner, and it will always be a hit. 

bowls of ingredients for pasta salad

What goes into Pasta Salad?

This is a really basic pasta salad recipe that has never let me down. The following are my go to ingredients for making this simple summer salad:

  • pasta- the tri-colored pasta is fun to use in this recipe, it adds additional color and the twisted noodles are so fun to eat. 
  • cucumbers
  • tomatoes
  • red peppers
  • broccoli
  • red onion
  • cheddar cheese
  • Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

How to make Cold Pasta Salad

This pasta salad with Italian dressing is so simple to make and can be ready in under 20 minutes. To make pasta salad follow these simple steps:

  • cook pasta according to package instructions
  • slice, dice and chop the vegetables and the cheese
  • combine all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl or the serving bowl. Pour over the Zesty Italian Dressing and toss to cover everything. 
  • place, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This salad can be made at least 24 hours in advance
colorful pasta salad

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Other Summer Pasta Salads to Try:

fresh tomato pasta

Cherry Tomato Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

salad made with broccoli with dried cranberries, red onions and sunflower seeds

Loaded Broccoli Salad

salad made with chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan, tomatoes and bowtie pasta

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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colorful spiral pasta in a vegetable, pasta salad
Print Recipe
4.83 from 17 votes

Easy Pasta Salad

This simple Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with veggies and colorful pasta all coated with Zesty Italian Dressing for the most delicious side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 284kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces tri-color pasta
  • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced red peppers
  • 1 cup diced cucumbers
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 16 ounce Zesty Italian Dressing

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and run under cold water to cool the pasta.
  • In a large mixing or serving bowl toss together the pasta, chopped vegetables, and cheese.
  • Pour in the Zesty Italian Dressing and toss to coat
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour up to overnight before serving. Toss one last time before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: BBQ Side Dish, Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: 30 Minute Meal, American, BBQ Recipes, Salad
Keyword: Easy Pasta Salad
Tried this recipe?Please Rate and Leave A Comment Below!

This recipe for Easy Pasta Salad is a pot luck classic! Loaded with fresh pasta, red peppers, red onions, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes and cheese brought together with Italian Salad Dressing. Pasta Salads are perfect for serving at BBQs, family gatherings, and neighborhood potlucks or serve as the main dish at home for dinner. 

big bowl of tri color pasta with cheese and veggies

What to serve with Pasta Salad:

 

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4.83 from 17 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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