A colorful and easy pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables, cheese, and Italian dressing for simple summer lunches, cookouts, and weeknight dinners.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Cookout
Why You’ll Like It
This classic summer pasta salad is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd during warm-weather gatherings. The combination of pasta, crisp vegetables, cheese, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing side dish that pairs well with burgers, grilled chicken, seafood, and picnic lunches. It’s budget-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for busy summer schedules.
Shop This Recipe
Pick up these ingredients at your local Piggly Wiggly:
- Pasta and pantry staples
- Fresh produce including tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers
- Cheese cubes, deli add-ins, and bottled dressing
Optional module: Check the weekly ad for grilling favorites, produce specials, and picnic essentials.
This classic summer pasta salad combines tender rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and zesty Italian dressing for an easy make-ahead side dish. Perfect for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, and backyard grilling nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
Pantry Staples
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Pepperoni slices
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
Editor note: Group ingredients by how shoppers buy them: produce, deli, refrigerated items, pantry staples, and pasta aisle selections.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until tender.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until cooled. Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cheese cubes, and olives to a large bowl.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Food safety note: Keep pasta salad refrigerated until ready to serve. Per USDA guidance, cold pasta dishes should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures exceed 90°F.
Piggly Wiggly Tip
Cook the pasta just until tender and rinse it under cold water immediately to keep the salad fresh and prevent overcooking.
Make It Your Own
- For more heat: Add banana peppers or spicy Italian dressing.
- For a lighter version: Use reduced-fat cheese and extra vegetables.
- For a cookout: Add grilled chicken or pepperoni for a heartier dish.
- For leftovers: Refresh with extra dressing before serving again.
What To Serve With It
- Grilled burgers
- Fresh watermelon slices
- Lemonade or sweet tea
- Backyard cookout favorites from #thepigbham
Storage And Reheating
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Reheat: No reheating needed. Serve chilled.
Use within: 3 days
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Pasta salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours, making it ideal for meal prep and cookouts.
- What can I substitute for Italian dressing?
You can use ranch dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or a homemade olive oil and vinegar dressing.
- How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Reserve a small amount of dressing and stir it in before serving leftovers to refresh the texture.
Related Recipes And Guides
- Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad
- Easy Backyard Cookout Sides
- Summer Grilling Guide
- No-Cook Summer Lunch Ideas
Ready To Shop?
Find everything you need for this recipe at your local Piggly Wiggly, then check the weekly ad for fresh savings on produce, pasta, and summer cookout favorites.