Tri Color Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This Tri-Color Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing cold pasta dish, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a light meal. Made with tender rotini pasta, crisp broccoli, sweet red peppers, savory black olives, and creamy mozzarella, every bite is packed with fresh flavors. Tossed in zesty Italian dressing with a sprinkle of seasonings, this easy pasta salad comes together effortlessly and is always a crowd favorite!
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 290kcal
Ingredients
- 16 oz. tri color Rotini Pasta cooked and cooled
- 15 oz. Italian Dressing
- .7 oz. Italian Seasonings Packet (1 packet)
- 12 oz black olives sliced and drained
- 1/2 cup red peppers diced
- 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls
- 1 small head of broccoli chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion diced small
- 1 cup cucumber peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Chop the red peppers, broccoli, red onion, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Peel the cucumber before slicing. Trim any long broccoli stems so the florets are easy to eat.
- Open the can of black olives, drain the liquid, and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped veggies, mozzarella pearls, and black olives.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning packet over the top, then pour in the Italian dressing.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated in dressing.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. If needed, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of dressing before serving.
Video
Notes
PROTEIN : Originally when I created this salad, my intentions were to add a sauteed shrimp. Unfortunately I used all the shrimp in my other recipes that day so I simply ran out. Feel free however, to add proteins like cooked up shrimp or pepperoni.
CHANGE UP VEGETABLES: Consider adding bites of cauliflower, green onion, chunks of red tomatoes or even shredded carrots. This salad is super adaptable.
PARTY FOOD: My recipe makes a WHOLE LOTTA SALAD. You probably figured that out when you saw a box of pasta...there are 10 cups, so you will def have enough.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 411mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g