Classic Pasta Salad – Done in 15 Minutes

There’s something special about a perfectly balanced pasta salad. The tang of the dressing, the crunch of the vegetables, and the creaminess of the cheese all come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck at the office. And the best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes.

But why settle for just any pasta salad when you can make a classic one that’s packed with flavor and texture? This recipe is inspired by the Italian tradition of using high-quality ingredients and simple preparation methods to create a truly exceptional dish. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and no complicated cooking techniques required. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this pasta salad is a classic?

Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe works because it combines high-quality ingredients with a simple preparation method. By using penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Italian dressing, you get a flavor and texture that’s both familiar and exciting.
• This recipe is efficient because it can be made in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck at the office.
• This recipe is flavorful because it combines the tang of the dressing with the creaminess of the cheese and the crunch of the vegetables.

Key Ingredients

The key to making a great pasta salad is using high-quality ingredients. Here are a few tips for selecting the best ingredients:

When it comes to pasta, look for high-quality brands that use whole wheat or other nutrient-rich ingredients. Penne pasta is a great choice because it holds its shape well and has a nice texture.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Classic Pasta Salad

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup Italian dressing

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Italian dressing, and mozzarella cheese. Toss until the pasta is well coated.

3

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to combine.

4

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5

Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil. Serve chilled.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating: Reheat the salad in the microwave or oven until warmed through.