Print

Best Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

classic macaroni pasta salad with italian dressing - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic macaroni pasta salad with Italian dressing is the perfect side dish for any barbecue, picnic, or potluck. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and optional salami for a heartier meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240ml) Italian dressing (e.g., Ken’s Steak House or Wish-Bone)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced (English cucumber recommended)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 can (6 oz / 170g) sliced black olives
  • 8 oz (225g) hard salami, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 7-9 minutes). Set a timer to avoid overcooking.
  2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water for 30-60 seconds to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Shake well to remove excess water.
  3. Dress the Warm Pasta: Transfer the cooled, drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. While still slightly damp, pour about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the Italian dressing over it and toss well to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
  4. Prep the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, red and green bell peppers, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the black olives and dice the salami (if using). Chop the fresh parsley.
  5. Combine Everything: Add all the chopped vegetables, olives, salami, and parsley to the bowl with the dressed pasta. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup (120ml) of Italian dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
  6. Season and Rest: Taste and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is even better) to let the flavors meld.
  7. Final Touch: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If it looks dry, drizzle in a tablespoon or two of extra dressing or a splash of olive oil and toss again.

Notes

For best flavor, dress the pasta while it’s warm to allow absorption, then add more dressing before serving. Letting the salad rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight enhances the taste. If making ahead, reserve some dressing and fresh parsley to stir in before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni pasta salad, Italian dressing pasta salad, classic pasta salad, summer side dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/best-classic-macaroni-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/