This pasta salad is my go-to for potlucks because it’s easy to prepare with fresh ingredients, and is always a crowd pleaser. You know what else I love about it? I can prepare it the day before the potluck, which makes things simple on the day of the event!

Super Simple Pasta Salad

Super Simple Pasta Salad

Print Recipe
This pasta salad is my go-to for potlucks because it’s easy to prepare with fresh ingredients, and is always a crowd pleaser.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword easy, pasta, salad, simple
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Servings 24 side servings
Author Lucy @ Lucy Knows Things

Ingredients

  • 24 oz tri-color rotini pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing 16oz
  • 1 can small pitted black olives 6oz, drained
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • pepper ground according to taste
  • parmesan cheese finely grated
  • olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss cooled pasta, black olives, chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes.
  • Sprinkle dried oregano, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Pour Italian dressing over salad. Add a drizzle of oilve oil. Mix to blend.
  • Pour salad into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese as a decorative touch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Notes

Serving size is based on 24 side servings at a potluck, where there are usually a number of other side dish options. Adjust the number of servings, based on your event.
If you enjoy finely chopped red onion, it’s usually a good addition to this salad.