Zesty Pasta Salad

This pasta salad with zesty Italian dressing is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp for a heartier meal. Plus, it’s great for making ahead, as the flavors develop even more after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.

Another reason to love this pasta salad with zesty Italian is how well it pairs with various dishes. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a go-to dish at your gatherings. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles, making it a meal that everyone can enjoy!

Why We Love This Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

• Vibrant & colorful
  The rainbow of fresh vegetables adds a bright, appetizing look and a variety of flavors to the salad.
• Zesty Italian dressing
  Made with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this dressing gives it a delicious, tangy kick.
• Quick & easy to make
  Just cook the noodles, chop the veggies, whisk the dressing, and mix everything together—it’s that simple!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

This balsamic pasta salad is made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. You can easily swap out some ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

For the Zesty Vinaigrette

• Dijon mustard: Adding Dijon mustard to your dressing will help it mix better and give it a delicious taste. This will make it more flavorful and easier to eat.
  
• Seasoning: I used zesty garlic and Italian seasoning. You could use different seasonings like oregano or basil depending on your preference. Feel free to make it your own!
  
• Balsamic vinegar: This gives the salad a great sweetness and acidity.
  
• Olive oil: This recipe recommends using good, extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil helps bring the vinaigrette together. Don’t substitute this.

For the Pasta Salad

• Pasta: In this recipe, I am using fusilli. However, you can use other short shapes if you want like penne or other pasta noodles.
  
• Vegetables: I am using a mix of my favorite vegetables (peas, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and black olives). But you can use other vegetables if you want. You can also use small broccoli florets, sliced snap peas, sliced celery, grape tomatoes, and diced carrots.

Recipe Variations

This easy pasta salad with balsamic dressing is not only delicious but also highly customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences. The beauty of this balsamic vinaigrette pasta salad is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Bow tie pasta with Italian salad dressing
• Banza pasta salad: Banza pasta is my favorite gluten-free option for this recipe.
• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Cheesy addition: Sprinkle in feta, mozzarella pearls, or parmesan for a cheesy twist.
• Extra crunch: Toss in sunflower seeds, toasted pine nuts, or slivered almonds.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

How to Make Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian

Making this zesty Italian pasta salad is a breeze, and with these step-by-step instructions and process shots, you’ll have no trouble recreating this vibrant dish at home. Follow along to get the best results for this refreshing and delicious summer salad!

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. Mix the Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Then add the balsamic vinegar to the bowl and whisk them together.
2. Slowly pour the olive oil in while whisking the other ingredients. This helps to emulsify the dressing
3. Season the balsamic dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Then set it aside.

For the Rainbow Pasta Salad

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water.
2. Cook the fusilli or rotini according to the package directions. Add the peas and corn to the pot one minute before the pasta is done cooking.
3. Drain the pasta, peas, and corn and run them under cool water. This will stop them from being hot to the touch.
4. Add them to the bowl. Then add the dressing and mix everything.
5. Next, add the tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives. Then toss everything together.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty pasta salad is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s perfect for barbecues, summer picnics, and potlucks, and goes well with grilled chicken, burgers, or even sandwiches. For a well-rounded meal, serve it alongside garlic bread, caprese skewers, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re enjoying it as a light meal, pair it with a chilled glass of lemonade or a crisp white wine for a refreshing combination!

For extra bold flavors, try adding salami or pepperoni, which brings a savory touch to the pasta salad with zesty italian. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese enhances the creamy texture, while using tri-color rotini makes the salad visually appealing. If you want a unique twist, swap the pasta with macaroni and finish with a splash of juice for a bright citrusy kick. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, add shredded red onion pickles, and serve with a slice of lemon for an extra burst of flavor!

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• Rockfish Tacos
  
• Pulled Pork Sliders