Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad
This Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering. Bursting with fresh vegetables and enhanced by a tangy, zesty Kraft House Italian dressing, this dish is both colorful and flavorful. The combination of penne pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and a medley of olives gives it a delightful crunch. Topped with two types of parmesan cheese, this salad is rich in texture and taste. Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together for a refreshing dish that everyone will love. Serve chilled and watch it disappear!
8-10
Servings
250
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Pasta
1.5 lbs (Cooked, drained)
Kraft House Italian Salad Dressing
2 bottles (None)
Green Pepper
1 cup (Chopped)
White Onion
0.5 cup (Chopped)
Roma Tomato
1 cup (Diced)
Cucumbers
1.5 cups (Chopped)
Black Olives
3/4 cup (Sliced)
Black Olives
2 tbsp (Chopped)
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
6 ounces (Container, not grated)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (None)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Garlic Powder
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well and allow to cool.
2
While the pasta is cooking, chop the green pepper, white onion, Roma tomato, and cucumbers. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables.
4
Add the sliced and chopped black olives to the mixture and stir to combine.
5
Fold in both types of parmesan cheese gently, ensuring an even distribution.
6
Pour one bottle of Kraft House Italian salad dressing over the pasta salad and toss it gently until all ingredients are well-coated. Adjust dressing to taste.
7
Season the salad with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your preference.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Before serving, add the second bottle of Kraft House Italian salad dressing and mix, if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad?
Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or gatherings, featuring penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy Kraft House Italian dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 8-10 servings.
What type of pasta should I use for this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 lbs of penne pasta cooked al dente.
What dressing is recommended for the best flavor?
Kraft House Italian Salad Dressing is recommended for its tangy and zesty flavor.
Why does the recipe call for two bottles of dressing?
The first bottle is used to coat the salad before refrigerating so the flavors meld, while the second bottle is added just before serving if needed to refresh the moisture.
Is this Italian Pasta Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian side dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is a make-ahead recipe and should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are in this pasta salad?
The salad includes green pepper, white onion, Roma tomatoes, and cucumbers.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The 1.5 cups of cucumbers should be chopped before being added to the mix.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?
Roma tomatoes are used in this recipe for their texture and flavor.
How many types of olives are used?
The recipe uses black olives prepared in two ways: 3/4 cup sliced and 2 tablespoons chopped.
What types of cheese are included?
The recipe uses two types of Parmesan: shredded Parmesan (container style, not grated) and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much shredded Parmesan is required?
You will need 6 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
A single serving contains 35g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 7.5g of protein.
What seasonings are added to the salad?
The salad is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The penne pasta should be boiled in salted water until al dente, then drained and cooled.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold dish that should be served chilled.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While penne is specified, similar shapes like rotini or bow tie could be used as substitutes.
How long does it take to chill the salad?
It requires a minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to ensure the cheese is distributed evenly?
Gently fold in both types of Parmesan cheese after combining the pasta and vegetables.
Does the recipe use white or red onions?
The recipe specifically calls for 0.5 cup of chopped white onion.
How much green pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped green pepper.
What size should the Roma tomatoes be cut?
The Roma tomatoes should be diced into roughly 1 cup total.
Can I add more dressing than the recipe suggests?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of dressing to your personal taste preference.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple boiling and chopping.
Should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and summer gatherings.