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Tri-color pasta salad with Italian dressing and crisp veggies in a white bowl

Tri-Color Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Crisp Veggies

This tri-color pasta salad with Italian dressing and crisp veggies is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Loaded with fresh vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing, it's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice red onion, slice olives, and chop parsley.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, all prepared vegetables, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.