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Easter Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad perfect for spring gatherings and Easter celebrations.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumbers feel free to peel them if that’s your style
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, or green for a rainbow effect!
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives for a little pizzazz
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing and Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, sliced olives, and shredded carrots.
  2. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
  3. Season with salt and pepper as needed, and add fresh herbs for garnish.
Chilling
  1. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize the salad by adding or omitting ingredients like olives, corn, or chicken. This salad can be made a day ahead and stores well in the refrigerator.