One of our favorite summer dinners is this Italian Pasta Salad. Usually, I put it together the night before so it has time to sit in the refrigerator. The flavors meld overnight and everything gets nice and cold. When the temperatures are over 100 degrees, having a cold dinner, ready to go, is a blessing! The ingredients are simple. Flavors are classic. Serve this with a nice glass of wine and you’re set. As an added bonus, this recipe makes a ton so it’s also a great dish to take to a potluck or summer BBQ.
For this recipe, I used Newmans Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing. I’ve also used the Parmesan and Roasted Garlic Dressing before. Both are equally good! Feel free to use your own favorite too. Use the dressing to coat the pasta after it’s drained so it doesn’t stick together. The flavors of the dressing get sucked up into the pasta and give it a little extra flavor boost. So good!
Italian Pasta Salad
A simple summer dinner. This Italian Pasta Salad is best made the night before and served well chilled. It will last 3-4 days in your refrigerator and only gets better over time. Add more vegetables if you wish (artichokes, bell peppers, red onion) or you can even bump it up with some salami or ham chunks.
- 1 lb Rotini Pasta
- 10 ounces Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half or quarters
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched and chilled
- 1 cup whole black olives
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing (I use Newmans Own Organic Italian), divided
- 1 cup red leaf lettuce, loosely packed, torn into bite size pieces
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain thoroughly and toss with 2 tablespoons of the Italian dressing (to prevent sticking). Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cheese, tomatoes, broccoli and olives. Add 1/2 cup salad dressing to the bowl. Mix well. Cover the bowl and put in the refrigerator overnight or until well chilled (at least four hours). When you are ready to serve, add red leave lettuce and toss with the remaining salad dressing.
Do you like dinner salads? Here’s another great recipe from way back in the archives – 2013! This Summer Produce Pasta Salad is also a hands-down winner. It’s full of different vegetables and is also a great Meatless Monday meal!
What are some of your favorite summer salads? Share with me in the comments below. I’m always looking for great new things to try and I’d love to hear about yours.
Until next time friends, live life deliciously!
