One bright summer afternoon, I was getting ready for a gathering with friends. The sun was shining, and I didn’t want to spend all day cooking. I remembered a dish my family loved: the Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad.

This salad is a mix of colorful veggies and pasta. It’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. In under 20 minutes, I made a dish that showed off traditional Italian flavors. Let’s make this simple yet tasty recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad is easy to make. It’s full of fresh, exciting flavors. It’s perfect for any gathering or a simple meal at home.

The tri-color rotini and fresh veggies make it look great. Add some Italian dressing, and it tastes amazing. It’s a hit at any table.

Ingredients for Your Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad

To make my Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad, I start with a mix of ingredients. They taste great and look good too. The base is a 12 oz box of tri-color rotini pasta. This pasta is fun-shaped and holds dressing well, making it perfect for pasta salads.

Then, I add 1/2 cup of zesty Italian salad dressing. It’s the main flavor for my salad. Fresh veggies add crunch and freshness. I use:

• Finely chopped celery
• Halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• Optional sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella

Diced bell peppers and chopped cucumbers add color and texture. I also add dried oregano and basil for a fresh taste. These ingredients make a refreshing dish that’s great for any time.

How to Make the Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

To make my Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad, I start by cooking the tri-color fusilli. I follow the package instructions for about 10 minutes. This makes the pasta just right, not too hard or too soft.

While the pasta cooks, I chop fresh celery and halve sweet cherry tomatoes. These add a nice crunch and color to my salad.

Once the pasta cools, I mix it with the celery and tomatoes in a big bowl. Then, I make a simple dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing brings all the flavors together.

After adding the dressing, I stir everything until it’s well coated. Sometimes, I add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. This salad looks great and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks!

Serving Tips for Your Pasta Salad

Serving my Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad is easy. It’s perfect for any event. I like to put it in a bright, colorful bowl. This makes it look great and catches everyone’s eye.

Adding fresh basil or Italian seasoning on top is a nice touch. It makes the salad look even better and tastes amazing.

This pasta salad is great with grilled meats at BBQs. It’s also a cool side dish for picnics. It keeps its taste well, making it perfect for potlucks and family get-togethers. Always serve it cold to enjoy its refreshing flavor.

• Present in a colorful bowl for visual impact.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or Italian seasoning.
• Pair with grilled meats for BBQs.
• Serve alongside sandwiches for picnics.
• Chill before serving for optimal flavor.

Storage Tips for Leftover Pasta Salad

To keep my Classic Italian Tri-Color Pasta Salad fresh, I store it right. I put it in an airtight container. This keeps air out and keeps it tasting good.

I can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. It stays tasty and fresh.

When I eat it again, I check its texture. If it’s dry, I add Italian dressing. This makes it taste even better.

But I don’t freeze it. Freezing makes the pasta mushy. So, I just follow these tips to enjoy it longer.