Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
If there’s one recipe that’s always the first to vanish at my family gatherings, it’s this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. Bursting with crisp veggies, a medley of colors, the briny punch of olives, and pillowy feta all tied together with that zingy Italian dressing, this dish checks every box for a summer potluck or a quick weekday lunch. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, ahead of schedule, and it only gets better as those flavors meld. Whether you’re a pasta salad pro or making it for the first time, this is the twist on tradition you’ll want to put on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Italian Pasta Salad truly shine is how each simple ingredient brings its own personality to the table—fresh, crisp, savory, creamy, and always colorful. You won’t need anything fancy, just your favorite everyday staples that transform into a harmonious, crowd-pleasing salad.
- Tricolor rotini pasta (1 box, 12 oz): The fun shapes make this salad extra inviting, and the colors keep it festive and appetizing for every guest.
- Chopped cucumber (1 cup, about 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded): Adds needed crunch and freshness that lightens up every forkful.
- Halved cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup): Juicy bursts of flavor and brilliant red color that give the salad its classic Italian vibe.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of salty-ness to balance the dressing and veggies.
- Sliced black olives, drained (1 can, 2.25 oz): Their deep flavor gives the salad a savory richness, plus a little Mediterranean flair.
- Finely diced red onion (1/4 cup): For a sharp bite and a subtle hint of purple, red onions make every bite pop.
- Italian salad dressing (1/2 – 1 cup): The key to tying everything together; start with less, taste, and add more as needed for your perfect moisture level.
How to Make Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your tricolor rotini according to box instructions. Salting your water makes a world of difference in flavor, so don’t skip it! Once the pasta is al dente, drain it completely and rinse it under cold running water. This not only stops the cooking but also cools it down quickly, so you can assemble your salad without waiting around.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the pasta cooks, tackle your chopping. Dice the peeled and seeded cucumber, halve the ripe cherry tomatoes, drain the black olives, and finely mince your red onion. Having everything prepped and ready means the assembly will be a breeze and the salad will look as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the cooked, cooled pasta along with the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and red onion. The bold colors alone will make you excited for the first bite! Gently combine everything—don’t overmix, you want those feta crumbles to stay chunky and the veggies to keep their shape.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour about 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the salad to start, then gently toss to make sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Give it a little taste, and if you want a punchier flavor, add more dressing. Pro tip: save a few tablespoons for a refresh right before serving, especially if you’re making it ahead. This will revive any pasta that’s soaked up all the dressing while sitting in the fridge.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Right Away
If time is on your side, let the Easy Italian Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for a few hours—this mellows the onion, lets the flavors mingle, and makes it even more irresistible. But if you can’t wait, dig in! It’s just as delicious served immediately, with the veggies extra crisp and the dressing bright and tangy.
How to Serve Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter a sprinkle of extra feta, a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley, or even a little cracked black pepper over the top. These simple garnishes add freshness, a little color, and make your bowl of Easy Italian Pasta Salad look downright irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with all your summertime classics: grilled chicken, roasted salmon, burgers, or even as part of a vegetarian spread with crusty bread and seasonal fruit. The flavors are versatile enough to complement almost anything you can think of, making it a go-to side for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve up this Easy Italian Pasta Salad in a giant glass bowl to showcase those colors, or divvy it into individual jars or bowls for a fun, portable picnic idea. For kids, pack it in lunchboxes or serve skewer-style with toothpicks and extra feta crumbles. The combination of colors and flavors makes it a showstopper however you decide to plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Italian Pasta Salad stores beautifully! Scoop any extras into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad seems to dry out, toss it with a splash of fresh Italian dressing before serving again to bring all those flavors back to life.
Freezing
While pasta salads aren’t ideal candidates for freezing—the fresh veggies and feta tend to lose their beautiful texture—if you need to prep in advance, you can freeze just the cooked pasta on its own. Thaw in the fridge and then proceed to add all the fresh toppings on the day you’ll serve.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes ahead if you want it a little less chilled. For best flavor, always give it a quick toss with a splash of reserved dressing right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While tricolor rotini brings a festive look and holds the dressing well, feel free to substitute with penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat varieties if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
What’s the best way to make this Easy Italian Pasta Salad for a crowd?
The recipe easily doubles or triples—just scale up each ingredient, toss everything in an extra-large bowl, and you’re set! This salad is a proven potluck hero because it’s simple to serve and doesn’t require any last-minute fuss.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the feta cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative (or skip it entirely) and use a vegan Italian dressing. The salad stays just as delicious and vibrant without the cheese component.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Always rinse your pasta until completely cool and make sure your veggies are well-drained before adding them in. If you’re making the salad ahead, hold back about a third of the dressing and add it just before serving to keep everything perfectly fresh.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Of course! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even sliced salami turn this Easy Italian Pasta Salad into a satisfying main course. Simply toss your chosen protein with the rest of the ingredients for an easy, balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Italian Pasta Salad. Whether you’re serving it at your next backyard barbecue, prepping lunches for the week, or just need something simple yet irresistible, this colorful salad delivers every time. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple at your table!
PrintEasy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick meal. Loaded with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (12 oz) tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and seeded, about 1 cucumber)
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 – 1 cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the pasta water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
- Final Touches: The salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Easy Salad Recipe