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over head view of summer pasts salad in a glass bowl with a large serving spoon in the bowl.

The Ultimate Italian Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Nothing says warm weather like this Summer Pasta Salad recipe packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a tangy Italian dressing!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, uncooked
  • 3 tbsp Salad seasoning*
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cubed cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 16 oz Zesty Italian dressing bottle

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling water and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and place cooked pasta into a serving bowl.
  • To the serving bowl, add the broccoli, bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cubed cheese, and olives.
  • Sprinkle in the seasoning and pour 1/2 of the dressing into the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, if desired, add the remaining bottled dressing and give it another good toss. Enjoy!

Notes

To make your own Homemade Salad Seasoning (makes 3 tbsp):
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
Combine everything in a small bowl.  Place in a resealable container and keep in the fridge (due to the cheese).
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
Make Ahead: This simple pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! Assemble the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the dressing.  The next day, add the dressing to the pasta.
To Store:  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. I find that this pasta salad is even better on the 2nd or 3rd day!