Description
Overnight Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that has become a staple for gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinners. With its perfect blend of warm pasta, zesty Italian dressing, and an array of fresh vegetables, this salad is both easy to make and a crowd favorite. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes and let it marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal as a side dish or light main course, this colorful salad promises to impress with its delightful taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 can pitted black olives (drained)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (diced)
- 1 English cucumber (diced)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse.
- While the pasta is still warm, mix in the Italian dressing and dry seasoning until evenly coated.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the pasta mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Before serving, add black olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Mix well and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use warm pasta for better absorption of flavors. Customize with your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach.