19 Pasta Salad Recipe Italian Dressing Parmesan Cheese Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, taking a dish to a potluck, or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this pasta salad recipe with Italian dressing and parmesan cheese is sure to be a hit. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ingredients and steps needed to create this mouthwatering dish.
One of the best ways to enjoy a warm summer day is with a refreshing and tasty pasta salad. And what better way to make it than with an Italian twist? This Italian pasta salad recipe is full of delicious and colorful ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
The key to making a great Italian pasta salad is to use high-quality ingredients and to let the flavors marinate together for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together and creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, chop up some fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. These colorful vegetables not only add a burst of flavor but also make the dish look visually appealing.
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Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Dressing, Genoa Salami
Once your pasta is cooked and drained, toss it in a bowl with the chopped vegetables and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can either use store-bought dressing or make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
For an extra burst of flavor, add some sliced black olives and crumbled feta cheese to the mix. These ingredients add a salty and tangy element to the salad that complements the vegetables and dressing perfectly.
Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and make the salad even more delicious.
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Garden Veggie Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumber
If you're looking for a healthier option, this garden veggie pasta salad is the perfect choice. It's loaded with fresh and nutritious vegetables and is light and refreshing, making it the perfect dish for a hot summer day.
Cook your pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. Meanwhile, chop up some crisp green vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans. You can also add some sweet corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
Toss everything together in a bowl and coat lightly with a vinaigrette dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
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Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Dry Pasta, Italian Salad Dressing, Prosciutto, Mini
For a classic and foolproof pasta salad recipe, look no further than this pasta salad with Italian dressing. It's a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing.
For an extra layer of flavor, add some chopped salami or pepperoni to the salad. This will give it a hearty and savory element that pairs perfectly with the tangy Italian dressing.
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Easy Cold Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Broccoli Florets, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow
If you're looking for a quick and easy pasta salad recipe, this cold pasta salad is the perfect choice. It requires minimal ingredients and can be thrown together in a matter of minutes.
Cook your pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lightly with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
You can also add some salty cubes of mozzarella cheese for a creamy and tangy element. This easy cold pasta salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
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Antipasto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Green Olives, Black Olives, Pepperoni, Salami
If you're a fan of antipasto platters, you'll love this antipasto pasta salad. It combines all the delicious flavors of an antipasto platter with pasta to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped salami, pepperoni, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and sweet roasted red peppers.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. This antipasto pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or as a main dish for dinner.
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Simple Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Italian Salad Dressing, Cucumbers
If you're in a rush but still want to enjoy a delicious pasta salad, this simple pasta salad recipe is the way to go. It only requires a few ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lightly with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
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Italian Dressing Pasta Salad with Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Pasta, Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Grated
If you're a fan of creamy pasta salads, this Italian dressing pasta salad with Parmesan is the perfect choice. It combines the tangy flavors of Italian dressing with the creaminess of Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. Then, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until combined.
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B.L.T. Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Grape Tomatoes, Bacon, Grated Parmesan Cheese
Love a good B.L.T. sandwich? Then you'll love this B.L.T. pasta salad. It combines all the classic flavors of a B.L.T. with pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, and shredded lettuce.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lightly with a ranch dressing. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This B.L.T. pasta salad is perfect for a summer BBQ or as a side dish for any meal.
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Creamy Bowtie Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Orange Pepper, Red Pepper, English Cucumber
This creamy bowtie pasta salad is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pasta salads. It combines bowtie pasta with a creamy and flavorful dressing for a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat generously with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor.
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Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Zucchini, Sliced Black
Who says spaghetti has to be served hot? This spaghetti pasta salad is a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite pasta dish.
Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl and coat lightly with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Pizza Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Green Pepper, Red Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes
If you love pizza, you'll love this pizza pasta salad. It combines all the delicious flavors of pizza with pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, pepperoni, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can also add some diced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.
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Easy Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Italian Dressing, Cucumber, Grape Tomatoes
This easy pasta salad is a classic and foolproof recipe that never fails to impress. It's quick and simple to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lighty with a vinaigrette dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
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Insanely Good Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Genoa
This pasta salad with Italian dressing is insanely good and will leave you wanting more. It's loaded with delicious flavors and is perfect for any summer gathering.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can also add some diced ham or salami for a heartier dish. This insanely good pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Pesto Sauce, Shredded Parmesan, Orange
If you love the taste of pesto, you'll love this pesto pasta salad. It combines the bold and flavorful taste of pesto with pasta for a unique and delicious dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat generously with a homemade pesto sauce made of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. This pesto pasta salad is perfect for any summer gathering or as a side dish for dinner.
If you're looking for a quick and easy pasta salad recipe, this easy Italian pasta salad is the perfect choice. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can also add some diced salami or pepperoni for an extra layer of flavor. This easy Italian pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or as a side dish for any meal.
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Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Cherry Tomatoes, Yellow Squash, Zucchini
This summer veggie pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite vegetables. It's loaded with fresh and colorful ingredients and is perfect for a hot summer day.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lightly with a vinaigrette dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
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Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Fresh Asparagus, Frozen Peas, Cherry Tomatoes
This easy pesto pasta salad is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pasta salads. It's loaded with bold and flavorful ingredients and is perfect for any summer gathering.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat generously with a homemade pesto sauce made of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. You can also add some diced chicken or tofu for a protein boost. This easy pesto pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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Classic Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Pasta, Artichoke Hearts, Sun Dried
This classic pasta salad is a favorite for a reason – it's simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for any occasion and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and drizzle generously with Italian dressing. You can also add some diced cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for an extra layer of flavor. This classic pasta salad is perfect for any summer gathering or as a side dish for a BBQ.
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Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Italian Dressing, Green Bell Pepper, Shredded
If you love the taste of pepperoni pizza, you'll love this pepperoni pizza pasta salad. It combines all the delicious flavors of pizza with pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix together chopped bell peppers, pepperoni, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and coat lightly with a creamy ranch dressing. You can also add some diced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor. This pepperoni pizza pasta salad is perfect for any summer gathering or as a main dish for dinner.
Ingredients for Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Parmesan Cheese
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making your pasta salad, make sure you have all of your ingredients ready. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Choosing the Perfect Pasta
When it comes to choosing the right type of pasta for your salad, it's important to consider the shape and size. You want a pasta that will hold the dressing and other ingredients well, without getting soggy. Penne, fusilli, and rotini all have ridges that help to hold onto the dressing, making them perfect for pasta salad. Additionally, their small size and unique shape make them easy to eat and provide a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Enhance the Flavor with Italian Dressing and Parmesan Cheese
The key to this pasta salad's delicious taste is the combination of Italian dressing and parmesan cheese. The dressing provides a tangy and zesty flavor, while the parmesan cheese adds a rich and salty taste. Together, they create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. It's important to use a good quality Italian dressing, as it will be the main source of flavor in the dish.
Steps to Prepare Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Parmesan Cheese
Cooking the Pasta
1. Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Place the pasta in a large mixing bowl and let it cool down while you prepare the other ingredients.
Preparing the Vegetables
1. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the bell pepper and red onion, and slice the black olives.
2. Add all of the vegetables to the pasta in the mixing bowl and mix well.
Adding the Dressing and Cheese
1. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables and mix until everything is evenly coated.
2. Add the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl and mix again.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Final Thoughts
This pasta salad with Italian dressing and parmesan cheese is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at a party, or a light dinner on a warm summer evening. Feel free to add any additional ingredients to personalize it to your taste. Now that you have the recipe, it's time to get cooking and enjoy this tasty dish!
