Creamy Italian Tricolor Pasta Salad
Creamy Italian Tricolor Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tri-color rotini pasta, grape tomatoes, and a creamy Italian dressing. The pasta is cooked al dente, then tossed with the dressing and mix ins, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 181kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) pkg tricolor rotini pasta
- ⅔ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- ½ tsp coarse kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 10 oz pkg grape tomatoes cut in half
- 1 (4 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
- ¼ red onion finely diced
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 6-10 fresh basil leaves cut into strips or torn into pieces, plus more for garnish, if desired
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- panko bread crumbs optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, according to package directions. Drain. Add to a large bowl and coat with the Caesar dressing while still warm.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Toss well to combine. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve (4-8 hours). If the salad seems dry after refrigerating, add a little more Caesar dressing and stir to combine. You can serve panko bread crumbs on the side to sprinkle on each serving if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 553IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 0.5mg