Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, combining tender rotini, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s a quick, satisfying dish, ideal for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, or any corkscrew-shaped pasta
- kosher salt for cooking pasta
- ¾ cup italian salad dressing, divided
- 1 cup chopped cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion, or sweet onion
- 2 tablespoons salad supreme seasoning
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ~1 medium lemon
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the Italian dressing by mixing ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ cup olive oil in a small jar or bowl. Whisk or shake to combine.
- Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl, add about ¼ cup of the dressing, and toss to coat.
- Spread the pasta on a sheet pan, letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to cool.
- Once cooled, return the pasta to the mixing bowl. Add the remaining dressing, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onion, and salad supreme seasoning.
- Toss everything together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Before serving, toss the salad again. Add extra dressing or olive oil if needed.
Notes
For a spicier version, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Use seasonal vegetables for added freshness.
This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg