Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 4 votes

A summer classic packed with flavor and crispy fresh broccoli marinated in a zesty Italian dressing. Leftovers are the best!

Prep Time30

Cook Time8

Total Time38

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pasta, pasta salad

Servings: -12 servings

Calories: 327kcal

Author: Tricia

Ingredients

For the zesty Italian dressing:

⅓ cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves hopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

For the pasta salad:

12 ounce package of Tri-Color Rotini Pasta
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
½ a large onion diced (red or sweet onion are best)
1 cup assorted olives pitted and sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (like Lawry's brand)
8-12 ounces cheddar cheese or Colby cheese, sliced in match stick pieces

Instructions

Place all the ingredients for the dressing in a glass jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well blended. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and place the pasta in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the dressing on the warm noodles and toss to prevent them from sticking together.
Place the broccoli florets in a large colander. Pour hot water (almost boiling) over the florets then rinse with cold water. Drain. The hot water will give the broccoli a lovely bright green color and take the raw edge off the vegetable. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the pasta.
Add the tomatoes, onion, olives and seasoned salt. Pour the prepared dressing over the top of the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Add the cheese just before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers.

Notes

In a pinch use your favorite bottled Zesty Italian Dressing.
Make it your own with these optional add-ins: pepperoni, bacon, diced grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini peppers, lettuce or spinach

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition