This Pasta Salad for a Crowd is colorful, tasty, and perfect for gatherings! With fresh veggies, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Making this salad is a breeze—no crazy cooking skills required! Just mix everything in a big bowl, and you’ve got a party hit! 🎉 I always make extra for leftovers; it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the dressing and veggies. If you can’t find rotini, penne or fusilli also work well!
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness brightens the dish. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you could use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Black Olives: They add a nice salty note. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them for green olives, or omit them completely for a milder taste.
Bell Peppers: These add color and crunch! You can replace the green and red bell peppers with yellow or orange ones for a sweeter flavor. Frozen bell peppers can also be used in a pinch.
Feta Cheese: This tangy cheese is a star in the salad. If you want a milder option, try using mozzarella or goat cheese. For a dairy-free version, crumble in some tofu or use a dairy-free cheese.
Italian Dressing: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade tastes great too! Combine olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and a dash of garlic for a quick homemade dressing.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Pasta for Salad?
Cooking pasta just right is key to a perfect pasta salad. You want it al dente, meaning it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Here’s how:
- Boil water in a large pot, adding salt for flavor.
- Cook the rotini according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Taste a piece a minute before the time is up to check if it’s done!
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for salad.
Rinsing is important here; it also prevents the pasta from sticking together!
How to Make Pasta Salad For A Crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta (corkscrew-shaped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. The cooling time helps the flavors mix together beautifully, making it a perfect dish for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This also helps prevent it from sticking together.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green and red bell peppers, sliced green onions, and cubed feta cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it up nicely.
3. Dress the Salad:
Next, drizzle the Italian dressing over your pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that every piece gets coated with the delicious dressing. Don’t forget to season it with some salt and pepper to taste!
4. Chill and Serve:
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the sliced pepperoncini for a zesty flavor boost! Once everything is combined, transfer the pasta salad to a large serving dish or tray. Cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This waiting time lets all the yummy flavors blend together.
5. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and give it another gentle toss so everything is nicely mixed. If you’d like, you can garnish it with more green onions or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, following the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and use a vegan Italian dressing instead. You’ll still have plenty of flavor from the vegetables and seasonings, plus you can add chickpeas for a nice protein boost!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just prepare it according to the instructions and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will intensify as it sits, making it even tastier!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a bit more dressing before serving to freshen it up.
