Go Back
+ servings
Pasta Salad For A Crowd

Delicious Pasta Salad For A Crowd That Everyone Will Love

This vibrant Pasta Salad For A Crowd features colorful veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing that impresses at any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Multi-colored rotini pasta Substitute with traditional or gluten-free pasta as needed.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian dressing Try a homemade version for personalized taste.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt Adjust according to personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper White pepper can be used for a milder flavor.
For the Mix-ins
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese Cut in small cubes; feta can offer a tangier alternative.
  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes Cut in half; grape tomatoes work well too.
  • 1 cup Green bell peppers Feel free to experiment with other colored peppers.
  • 1 cup Red bell peppers Yellow bell peppers or cucumbers are great substitutes.
  • 1 cup Sliced black olives Drained; omit for low-sodium option or swap with Kalamata olives.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Foil pans
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add half of the multi-colored rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with Italian dressing, kosher salt, and black pepper. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated with the dressing.
  3. Add the cubed mozzarella cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green and red bell peppers, and sliced black olives into the pasta bowl. With a gentle folding motion, combine all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
  4. Divide the salad mixture into two or more large foil pans for easier storage and serving. Cover the pans with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the ingredients fresh. Place the pans in the refrigerator and chill for at least four hours, or ideally overnight.
  5. Once chilled, remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with additional herbs or cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Pasta Salad For A Crowd is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, and can be customized with additional ingredients as desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!