Get ready to elevate your picnic game and impress your friends with these 18 deliciously creamy pasta salad recipes featuring Italian dressing as the star of the show! From classic combinations to creative twists, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or just looking for a quick and easy meal, these mouthwatering salads are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of creamy pasta salads, showcasing a diverse range of recipes that incorporate Italian dressing in unique and exciting ways. From Antipasto-inspired creations to Mediterranean-style masterpieces, each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the rich flavors of the Italian dressing. So, grab your favorite pasta, some veggies, and get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy goodness!
Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This classic pasta salad is a staple of Italian cuisine, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. With its tangy dressing and flavorful vegetables, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 bottle Italian dressing
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese on top (if using).
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Antipasto Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A classic combination of pasta, vegetables, and Italian dressing comes together to create a flavorful and refreshing salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. This recipe combines cooked pasta, colorful vegetables, and creamy Italian dressing for a delicious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Greek Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A refreshing twist on classic pasta salad, this Greek-inspired version combines the flavors of Italy and Greece to create a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (cooking time for pasta only)
Caprese Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This Caprese Pasta Salad brings together the freshness of a classic Caprese salad with the comfort of pasta, all tied together with a rich and tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp. Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the top and toss to coat.
4. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garden Veggie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Brighten up your lunch or dinner with this refreshing pasta salad, bursting with the flavors of a garden-fresh medley of vegetables and a tangy hint of Italian dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 2 cups mixed garden veggies (bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber)
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed garden veggies, cooked pasta, and Italian dressing. Toss gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including cooking pasta)
Three-Bean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Elevate your pasta salad game with this flavorful and textured Three-Bean Pasta Salad, featuring cannellini beans, kidney beans, and black beans. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, kidney beans, and black beans.
3. Add cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and parsley to the bean mixture.
4. Pour Italian dressing over the top and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A classic combination of flavors, this salad brings together tender chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, and a tangy Italian dressing to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/4 cup croutons
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Grill or cook chicken breast until cooked through, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the top and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This creamy pasta salad combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and Italian dressing for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, pasta, and creamy Italian dressing, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bow tie or penne)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pesto Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this dish combines the flavors of Italy with a creamy pesto sauce and tangy Italian dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. cooked pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto, and Italian dressing. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper strips to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
BLT Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This classic pasta salad gets a tasty twist by incorporating the flavors of a BLT sandwich – crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Italian dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A twist on the classic pasta salad, this creamy and refreshing recipe combines the richness of avocado with the tanginess of ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bow-tie or penne work well)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ranch and Italian dressing.
3. Add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well coated with the creamy dressing mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley (if desired).
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This colorful pasta salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers with the tanginess of Italian dressing, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bow tie or penne)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley (if desired).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This refreshing pasta salad combines the sweetness of balsamic glaze with the tanginess of Italian dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. With its colorful medley of vegetables and flavorful sauce, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as bow-tie or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. balsamic glaze
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and Italian dressing. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
A creamy and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks or picnics! This recipe combines the comfort of cheesy tortellini with the tanginess of Italian dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. cheese-filled tortellini
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Orzo Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This refreshing pasta salad combines the nutty flavor of orzo with a blend of fresh herbs and tangy Italian dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked orzo pasta to the bowl and toss to combine with the herb mixture.
4. Pour in Italian dressing and toss until well coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Elevate your pasta salad game with this flavorful and spicy combination of Italian sausage, pasta, and Italian dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bowtie pasta (farfalle)
– 1 lb. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. Italian dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
4. Add the cooked Italian sausage to the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
5. Drizzle Italian dressing over the top and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy, dreamy world of pasta salads! In this article, we bring you 18 mouth-watering recipes that combine the perfect blend of Italian dressing and pasta. From classic combinations like Antipasto Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing to unique twists like BLT Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing Garden Veggie Pasta Salad or a hearty and cheesy Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking!
