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Easy Dump Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Summer Parties

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad with Italian dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. This recipe combines rotini pasta, creamy mayo, and zesty Italian dressing for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta (about 340 grams)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (about 180 ml)
  • ¾ cup Italian dressing (about 180 ml)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 grams)
  • ½ cup pepperoni slices (about 50 grams, optional)
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper (about 75 grams)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (about 150 grams)
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives (about 30 grams)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Shake off excess water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise and ¾ cup (180 ml) Italian dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Toss the cooled pasta into the dressing. Add 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella, ½ cup (50 grams) pepperoni slices (optional), ½ cup (75 grams) diced green bell pepper, 1 cup (150 grams) halved cherry tomatoes, and ¼ cup (30 grams) sliced black olives. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine.
  5. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse well under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Use fresh quality ingredients for best taste. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, swap mozzarella with diced avocado or dairy-free cheese and use dairy-free mayo. Pepperoni is optional and adds sodium.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Italian dressing, summer recipe, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-dump-creamy-pasta-salad-recipe-with-italian-dressing-for-summer-parties/