Irresistible Italian Chop Pasta Salad Recipe to Savor

A delightful medley of flavors and textures awaits you in this Italian Chop Pasta Salad. Imagine sinking your fork into a colorful bowl brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. similar Mediterranean salad You can almost hear the cheerful chatter of family and friends gathered around the table, enjoying this dish that effortlessly brings everyone together. chicken dish with flavor.

This Italian Chop Pasta Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner. It promises an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more. perfect pasta pairing Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! delicious garlic bread.

I once brought this Italian Chop Pasta Salad to a potluck, and you’d think I’d just won an Oscar by the way my friends reacted — rave reviews all around!

this …

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rotini Pasta: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free options if preferred; cook until al dente for the best texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes; they add sweetness and color to the salad.
• Cucumber: Use English cucumbers for their crunchiness; they add freshness without too much water.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers gives vibrant color and sweetness.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice for a mild onion flavor; soak in cold water briefly to reduce pungency if desired.
• Black Olives: Choose pitted Kalamata olives for their rich flavor; they add depth to each bite.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess and tang; feel free to substitute with goat cheese if preferred.
• Italian Dressing: Use homemade or store-bought; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes in half and dice cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Slice bell peppers into strips and finely chop red onion.

Toss in Olives and Feta: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped veggies, pitted black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta too much.

Add Dressing and Seasoning: Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture as you stir gently until everything is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy this delightful Italian Chop Pasta Salad that’s not only easy but also bursting with freshness! Your friends will be asking for seconds before they finish their first plate! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Pasta Delight recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while chopping vegetables. Mix in dressing while everything cools. This ensures flavors meld perfectly without soggy pasta.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ingredients! Add grilled chicken for protein or use kale instead of lettuce for extra crunch. Customize with your favorite cheeses or olives for a personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold; if reheating, do so gently to avoid mushy pasta.

My friend once told me that this Italian chop pasta salad had become her family’s favorite dish at gatherings. They even requested it for birthdays—it’s that good!

FAQ

What is the best pasta to use for Italian chop pasta salad?

Any short pasta like rotini or penne works best, providing great texture and flavor absorption.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before serving for enhanced flavor infusion and convenience.

What can I substitute for Italian dressing?

Try a homemade vinaigrette or lemon juice mixed with olive oil for a fresh twist.

Print

Italian Chop Pasta Salad

---

• Author: Teprod
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience a burst of flavors and textures with this Italian Chop Pasta Salad. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender rotini pasta, and a tangy dressing, this dish is perfect for summer picnics or cozy family dinners. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Toss gently.
4. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize your salad by adding grilled chicken or swapping in different cheeses or olives based on your preference. For added freshness, consider using homemade vinaigrette instead of store-bought dressing.