When you’re a busy mom like me, trying to get dinner on the table before a toddler meltdown strikes, you need recipes that feel like a lifesaver. That’s exactly how this easy kid-friendly Italian pasta salad became a go-to in our house.
With 12 ounces of tri-color rotini bubbling away on the stove when inspiration struck, I didn’t want to pull out ten different spices or whisk up a dressing from scratch. I wanted fast, colorful, and delicious.
That’s when I grabbed a bottle of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing from the fridge and let it do all the heavy lifting. This shortcut turns regular pasta into a bright, zesty pasta salad with Italian dressing that even my toddler loves.
This Italian pasta salad checks all the boxes:
- Vibrant and colorful
- Packed with toddler-friendly bites like cheese and pepperoni
- Full of fresh flavor
- Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, and easy entertaining
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Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad
If you’re searching for a kid-friendly pasta salad that works for everything from backyard BBQs to easy weeknight dinners, this recipe is a winner. Here’s why:
- Tri-color rotini makes it fun and inviting for little ones.
- Olive Garden dressing keeps the flavor zesty without overpowering sensitive tastebuds.
- Mozzarella pearls and mini pepperoni make every bite exciting.
- It’s easily customizable based on what’s in your fridge.
If you enjoy this style of pasta salad, you might also love my Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad — another kid-approved favorite perfect for parties and gatherings!
Tools I Recommend for the Best Pasta Salad
A few good kitchen tools make prepping this Italian pasta salad even easier:
- My favorite mixing bowls with non-slip bottoms — perfect for tossing pasta without the bowl sliding everywhere.
- This cutting board set — helps you chop everything quickly and neatly.
What Goes in This Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
You only need a handful of simple, family-friendly ingredients to make this dish:
- Tri-color rotini pasta
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Mini mozzarella balls (or cubed string cheese)
- Mini pepperoni
- Cucumber or zucchini, diced
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
You can easily swap or add in other veggies based on what your family loves!
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your tri-color rotini in salted water until it’s al dente.
Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and keep the noodles firm.
2. Toss with Italian Dressing
While the pasta is still slightly warm, toss it with about ½ cup of the Olive Garden dressing.
This step helps the noodles soak up all that amazing flavor from the start.
3. Add Your Mix-Ins
Fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, cucumber, mini pepperoni, and olives (if using).
4. Adjust and Chill
Pour in the remaining dressing to coat everything lightly and evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Right before serving, give it a quick toss — you can drizzle on a little more dressing if needed.
Fun Variations for Your Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is super flexible depending on your mood (and your pantry):
- Swap pepperoni for diced ham, turkey, or salami.
- Add chopped bell peppers or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Try shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Use shredded mozzarella if you don’t have pearls on hand.
If you’re planning a bigger menu, my Easy Potato Salad also makes an amazing pairing!
You’ll love how the cool, creamy potato salad contrasts with the tangy Italian pasta salad.
And if you need a hot veggie side for your gathering, my Roasted Parmesan Carrots are a simple, irresistible choice!
How to Store Italian Pasta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
If it seems a little dry after sitting, just drizzle on a bit more Italian dressing before serving.
(I love using these food prep containers for storing pasta salads and making meal prep a breeze.)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping this up for a busy weeknight or planning a full cookout spread, this easy Italian pasta salad brings flavor, color, and a little bit of joy to the table.
It’s proof that a few simple ingredients — and a little shortcut magic — can create a dish the whole family will actually get excited about.
If you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to inspire the cook (buy me a coffee) to help support even more easy, family-friendly recipes like this one!
Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me today.
Until next time —
– Camille
Quick Zest Italian Pasta Salad
8
servings10
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Ingredients
12 oz tri-color rotini, cooked and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
mini mozzarella balls (or cubed string cheese—fun and easy!)
½ cup chopped cucumber or zucchini (peeled if needed for texture-sensitive kiddos)
½ cup mini pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni for a lighter twist)
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional—can serve on the side if some kids don’t love them)
1¼ cup Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing (bottled)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)
Pinch Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor boost (Optional)
Directions
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss pasta with about ½ cup of the dressing while it’s still slightly warm.
- Add all your veggies, cheese, and meat.
- Pour in the remaining dressing (or to taste), toss well, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Taste again before serving—add more dressing if it soaked up too much while chilling.
Camille’s Notes
- The Kid-Friendly aspect of this is in choosing veggies your kids love! But I must say, I draw the line at pickles.
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