Italian Chop Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Chop Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cucumber (diced); ½ red onion (thinly sliced); 1 bell pepper (diced); ½ cup black olives (sliced); 1 cup Italian dressing; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Published: June 6, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Italian Chop Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The burst of fresh flavors will brighten up any meal
Its eye-catching colors are sure to impress your guests at any gathering
You can easily customize this salad with your favorite veggies or proteins for added versatility

Every time I serve this dish, my friends rave about the flavors!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with pasta recipe.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems add brightness and pop to every forkful. zesty fermented tomato salsa.
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds crunch and balances out the richness of the dressing. refreshing cucumber lime agua fresca.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a mild kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Bell Peppers: Use an assortment of colors for visual appeal; they bring sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Black Olives: These briny bites add depth and savory richness to the salad’s flavor profile.
Italian Dressing: A homemade or store-bought version works wonders in bringing all these ingredients together with its tangy goodness. crispy homemade mozzarella sticks.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty finish that elevates this dish from good to spectacular.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools, grab your colorful veggies! Dice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, chop 1 cucumber, slice half a red onion thinly, and dice bell peppers as desired.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with prepared vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly so that everything gets mixed well.

Add Dressing & Cheese: Pour about 1 cup of Italian dressing over your salad mixture. Sprinkle in half a cup of grated parmesan cheese for that extra flavor punch. Stir well until every ingredient is coated.

Chill & Serve: For best flavor infusion, cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully!

This Italian Chop Pasta Salad is not only flavorful but also visually stunning—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in!

You Must Know

This Italian Chop Pasta Salad is not just about taste; it combines colors and textures beautifully
The delightful crunch from fresh veggies contrasts with the soft pasta, making every bite a pleasure
Plus, it’s easy to whip up for a family gathering or a cozy night in!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then cool it before mixing. This way, your pasta salad stays fresh without becoming mushy, allowing all those vibrant flavors to shine.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein or toss in some olives for briny goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold; there’s no need to reheat this delightful dish.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To keep your Italian Chop Pasta Salad vibrant, always use fresh vegetables
Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is key!
Finally, let it chill in the fridge before serving—this helps meld all those fantastic flavors together perfectly

Sharing this salad at our last family BBQ was a hit! Everyone kept asking for the recipe—talk about a confidence boost in the kitchen!

FAQ

What is Italian Chop Pasta Salad?

Italian Chop Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. For more inspiration, check out this fresh herbed tuna salad recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after chilling overnight.

What are some good add-ins for this salad?

Consider adding proteins like chicken or beans and seasonal veggies for extra flavor.

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📖 Recipe Card