Simple, Colorful, and Tasty: Italian Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

Photo byAngie Bright

Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Easy Dish for Any Occasion

If you're searching for a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a simple family dinner, this Italian Pasta Salad might just be what you need. It’s a dish bursting with fresh ingredients, and the best part? It's so easy to customize! The blend of tri-colored rotini, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing creates a refreshing and delicious combination that’s sure to satisfy.

The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require much cooking, and you don’t have to be precise with measurements — a bit of eyeballing and personal taste goes a long way. The crunchy vegetables add texture, while the seasoned dressing provides a tangy punch that soaks into the pasta as it chills. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy and vibrant dish.

The Ingredients That Make It Shine
The foundation of this Italian pasta salad starts with a box of tri-colored rotini. These spiraled noodles not only provide the perfect texture but also add visual appeal with their colorful hues. After cooking, simply rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. The addition of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onions gives the salad a crunchy freshness that pairs wonderfully with the pasta.

To make this salad truly Italian-inspired, you’ll need a bottle of zesty Italian dressing. While store brands work great, the key is using enough to coat the pasta well, letting the flavors seep in overnight. The next day, you’ll want to add a little extra dressing to freshen it up, as the pasta tends to absorb the dressing while it sits in the fridge. McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning is a secret ingredient in this dish, adding a blend of spices that elevates the flavor to the next level. Finally, don’t forget a dash of black pepper to taste.

Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 box tricolor rotini, cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 bottle of zesty Italian dressing (add the remaining dressing the next day)
• 2-3 tablespoons McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the tricolor rotini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Pour about 3/4 of the zesty Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
4. Generously sprinkle the McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning over the salad and mix again.
5. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). The next day, add the remaining Italian dressing and give the salad a final stir before serving.

Perfect for Any Occasion
This Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to prepare in advance and bring to any gathering. It’s light, refreshing, and versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a stand-alone meal. As it sits in the fridge, the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious the next day. The vibrant colors and the tangy dressing make it an appealing dish for warm weather, while the crunch from the vegetables gives it an added freshness.

So whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a casual family dinner, or even a holiday potluck, this Italian Pasta Salad will surely be a hit. It’s quick to prepare, adaptable to your preferences, and packed with flavor. Just eyeball the ingredients to your liking, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite!

Here are some great sources to help with your Italian pasta salad recipe:

1. McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning – This seasoning is crucial for giving the salad its unique, zesty flavor. You can use the official McCormick seasoning blend, which contains poppy seeds, celery seed, and cheddar cheese, among other spices. You can even make a homemade version if you can't find it in stores​McCormick​McCormick.
2. Zesty Italian Dressing – You can use any brand of Italian dressing, but adding a store-bought or homemade Italian dressing brings the whole salad together. Some recipes suggest using about ¾ of a bottle initially and adding more the next day after the pasta has absorbed some of the dressing​McCormick​Life, Love, and Good Food.
3. Recipe Ideas – Combining tricolor rotini with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions works perfectly. Some versions of this recipe also include extras like mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, olives, and even salami for a heartier dish​McCormick​Life, Love, and Good Food.

For more detailed recipes and tips on how to use these ingredients in your pasta salad, check out the full recipe ideas from McCormick and other sources linked here:

• McCormick Salad Supreme Recipe
• Eating on a Dime Pasta Salad
• Summeryule’s Pasta Salad with McCormick Seasoning.