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Best Creamy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

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This creamy pasta salad with Italian dressing is the kind of side dish that steals the show at every barbecue, potluck, and picnic. It’s the perfect make-ahead recipe that actually tastes better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Italian dressing
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (6 ounces) black olives, drained and sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables: dice the bell peppers into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes), finely dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and chop the pepperoncini and parsley.
  4. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold running water until completely cool. Shake well to remove excess water.
  5. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing until smooth and fully combined.
  7. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and toss gently with a rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
  8. Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini to the bowl. Fold together gently.
  9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then fold once more until evenly distributed.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight.
  12. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste again for seasoning. Add a splash of Italian dressing if needed.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest overnight in the refrigerator. If making ahead, double the dressing and add extra before serving. Keep chilled, especially for outdoor events.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, Italian dressing pasta salad, potluck pasta salad, summer pasta salad, make-ahead pasta salad

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/best-creamy-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing-recipe/