Print

Best Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

best easy 5-ingredient pasta salad with italian dressing - featured image
Print Recipe

This simple pasta salad comes together in about 20 minutes with just five ingredients. It’s a potluck hero, a barbecue staple, and the perfect make-ahead lunch for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Italian dressing (such as Wish-Bone or Newman’s Own)
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved or quartered
  • 1/2 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and stir immediately. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and cool the pasta: Pour the cooked pasta into a colander and rinse under cold running water until cool to the touch. Shake to remove excess water.
  3. Prepare the vegetables and cheese: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes. Cut the mozzarella balls in half or quarters. Chop the fresh basil into thin ribbons.
  4. Combine everything: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, and chopped basil. Pour the Italian dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Let it rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Give it a final stir and serve: Before serving, stir well. Add a splash more dressing if it seems dry. Garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld and improve over time. Add a splash of dressing before serving if it seems dry. This salad can be made a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian dressing, 5-ingredient, easy, summer, potluck, vegetarian

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/best-easy-5-ingredient-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/