Easy Italian Dressing Pasta Salad Recipe

 This Easy Italian Dressing Pasta Salad is a super quick and simple side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. With just a few ingredients, this flavorful pasta salad comes together in minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

• Keyword Focus: Italian Dressing Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Quick Pasta Salad Recipe, 3 Ingredient Pasta Salad, Picnic Salad, Potluck Salad.

Recipe Details:

• Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
• Course: Salad, Side Dish
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (for pasta)
• Total Time: 13-15 minutes
• Yields: 6-8 servings
• Dietary Info: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, penne, farfalle, or tri-color rotini)
• 1 (16-ounce) bottle Italian Dressing (your favorite kind!)
• 1 (10-ounce) jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Cubed Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Pepperoni slices, quartered (if not vegetarian)

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups (if adding optional ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Rinse and Drain: Drain the cooked pasta well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the entire bottle of Italian dressing, and the drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts.
4. (Optional) Add More: If desired, add any of the optional ingredients like black olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red onion, parsley, or pepperoni.
5. Mix Well: Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and other ingredients are well coated with the Italian dressing.
6. Chill (Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Enjoy this incredibly easy and flavorful Italian Dressing Pasta Salad!