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There's something you should know about me...I love creamy! Creamy dressings, sauces, and desserts. I can't explain it, I was just born this way. So this Italian Pasta Salad is my favorite side dish! I have made variations of this salad since high school. Of course back then, I was using a box!
Yes folks, a box. Does anyone remember Suddenly Salad? My sister-in law still teases me about the first time I was at their house and they were making dinner. Someone asked if I wanted to start the potato salad....."Sure, where's the box?" was my response. You need to remember, my mother is not big on cooking.
I think I have made up for it now, don't you? Look at me all grown up and publishing a blog about cooking of all things! I'm sure my mother is still mortified. I was supposed to grow up to be a doctor or the president, not a stay at home mom living in Iowa! Funny how things turn out 😉
I didn't really have a recipe when I made this salad last week. I usually just throw stuff together in a bowl until it looks right....the normal way we all do it! So this is 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup Italian dressing, very creamy, not enough flavor.
How to make Italian Pasta Salad:
So tonight I went with 1 cup dressing and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and it was perfect.....
Mix dressing and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Place cooked, drained noodles into a large bowl.
Add the zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, green onions, basil and olives. (Add mozzarella pearls if using).
Pour dressing mixture over noodles and vegetables.
Toss to thoroughly combine.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
It's funny how you don't realize how much you use, until you have to stop and measure! This salad is also delicious with mozzarella cheese pearls and diced salami 🙂
More delicious pasta salad recipes:
Hawaiian Potato Salad - this one has potatoes and pasta
Enjoy!!
Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Italian dressing I used Newman's Own Oil & Vinegar
- 1 pound pasta cooked, drained - I used Barilla Cellentaini
- 1 medium zucchini sliced thin, cut into half circles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese pearls Optional
Instructions
- Mix dressing and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place cooked, drained noodles into a large bowl.
- Add zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, green onions, basil and olives. (Add mozzarella pearls if using).
- Pour dressing mixture over noodles and vegetables.
- Stir to thoroughly combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Carrie @ Frugal Foodie Mama says
Lisa, this looks so delicious... and easy too! 🙂
Katie Clark says
I love anything creamy as well. Unfortunately, since discovering my lactose intolerance, I have to improvise a lot, but luckily there's pretty much a worthy substitute for evertyhing 🙂 This salad looks fabulous.
Tanya Schroeder says
I have a weakness for creamy stuff too! I try to be good, but it's so irresistible!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
Yummmy!! Looks amazing! And you are so funny posting about "the green light" - I knew exactly what you were talking about when I read the title! All I can say is this… be thankful that you only have 109 posts to go back and deal with. LOL I have quite a few to fix as well so just take them one at a time, sister!
Glad you are a SAHM in Iowa as opposed to being "The President", btw, so we get to experience all of your awesome creations in the kitchen!! So much more fun!
xoxo
Alyssa says
I do a similar recipe but I use Italian dressing instead.
Jenn @ TheRollinsHouse says
I love pasta salad! Can't wait to try yours 🙂
Michelle says
I remember suddenly salad! I am also a nut for creamy foods.
Heather Who Needs a Cape? says
Pasta salad is one of my favorite meals in the summer! Thanks for the new version 😉
Glad you linked up on Super Sunday - hope you can come back next week!
Lynn H @ Turnips 2 Tangerines says
Pasta Salad is the perfect summertime food~ I like to add some parmesan cheese to my dressing also:) Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
Julie says
Definitely going to have to try, I love pasta salads in the summer!
Thanks!
Julie
Anyonita says
What a lovely and fresh salad! 🙂 I am making this for my next barbecue! Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers! Please be sure to stop back by the party and check out some of the other links!
Diane Balch says
Total flashback I remember one of my aunts making a similar salad. Thanks so much for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
Kelly says
Those noodles look very inviting 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this at my Happy Monday Show & Share @ HappyWifey.net!
Judy says
Oh my, now, I am craving.
Judy
Adelina Priddis says
I could use the green SEO light, but I'm not on wp 🙁
Your pasta salad is screaming for me to eat it. Anything creamy is going to be good.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I love that this is creamy! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #18!
~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
Jennifer M. says
I have been making cold salads since this heat wave hit, it is all I have an appetite for! Your Italian Pasta Salad looks like it might be my dinner tonight! I am sharing this today!
Lois Christensen says
This looks delicious! I use the same dressing for my pasta salad...mayo with Ken's Ceasar Dressing. AND yes, the mayo makes the difference! Sharing with my Walking on Sunshine FB page later today. Thank you for linking up with Foodie Friends Friday!
Michelle says
This looks delicious. I love pasta salad. I chose it for my Foodie Friends Friday host favorite this week, so it will be featured on Daily Dish Magazine Monday. Thanks so much for sharing!
Marlys @Thisand That says
I love Pasta and this looks great. Thanks for sharing this with Foodie Friends Friday. Just wanted to let you know that I am using this recipe in a Labor Day post that I wrote for the Daily Dish Magazine.