This easy pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish for a summer picnic or gathering! Uses all fresh ingredients and can be made a day ahead.
I know it’s not summer yet…but we’re almost there so I thought I would share this easy pasta salad recipe that is perfect for a party or picnic. This pasta salad recipe has been a favorite of my family for years. I posted it here on my blog in the very beginning but wanted to share it again with a printable recipe. It’s one of those dishes that, for some reason, I only make in the summer. Which is crazy because it would be a perfect side dish for the holidays. It makes a ton and is actually better the second day so making it ahead is no problem.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 1/2 large sweet onion chopped
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped
- 6-8 oz. package grape tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 2 eggs hard boiled and chopped
- 24 oz. jar Marzetti’s Slaw Dressing
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. I add salt and olive oil to the boiling water. Drain when finished cooking.
- Put tomatoes, onion, carrots, cucumber and eggs into a large bowl.
- Pour about 1/2 of the jar of Marzetti’s on the chopped veggies/eggs.
- Stir to coat.
- Add pasta and a little more Marzetti's. Stir well to coat.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours, longer is better.
- Can be made a day ahead. If pasta soaks up too much of the dressing, just add more and stir well.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Video
You can switch up the veggies according to your taste. Â After the salad is refrigerated you may need to add a bit more dressing. The pasta seems to soak it up while it’s chilling.
*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
More fun summer recipes:
Basic Baked Beans
Strawberry Crumble
Easy Grilled Chicken
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Karen says
Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 8:43 amThis recipe is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank You!
Liz @ Infuse With Liz says
Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 7:29 pmI made this today and it was great! I never thought about using Marzetti’s Slaw dressing for a pasta salad. I usually just add mayonnaise or (miracle whip) salad dressing. My hubby was much impressed and I will definitely be using this recipe again and again.
Kelley Woerther says
Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 10:17 amI cannot wait to try the pasta salad!
Sue says
Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 10:15 amSounds yummy. Can’t wait to try! Thank you!
Debbie refresh restyle says
Monday, July 8, 2013 at 9:15 pmI love pasta salad and this looks so good!
Debbie
Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog says
Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 5:12 pmLooks great, Ann!
Gwen says
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:15 pmI’ll have to try this with some Gluten Free Quinoa Pasta! Yum!
Kathy says
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 9:43 amThanks for making the recipe printable. I can’t wait to make it.
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:10 amI love pasta salad in the summer. We like taking it on the boat. Bookmarked it! Thanks, Ann! I need to find the dressing. Never tried it before!
xo,
RJ
Cindy says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:53 pmThat looks good, Anne, my hubby loves pasta salads in the summer time. Hugs, cindy
debbiedoos says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 10:53 pmSounds delish Ann! I love a good pasta salad and this looks like a good one!
Mary Alice Patterson says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 9:44 pmWe love pasta salads for summer too, and this one looks so good and super easy! My kind of recipe.
Mary Alice
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 7:31 pmAnn, I remember when you first posted this recipe! That was before Pinterest, and I copied down the recipe! So today I pinned it for future reference. Looks delicious!
Anne Boykin says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 6:09 pmHi Ann, Well I don’t usually try recipes but I think I’ll give this one a try. Sure sounds good. Thanks for your lovely blog!
Lisa at Texas Decor says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 6:00 pmThis sounds so good! I’ll have to try that Marzetti dressing. I know lots of people that love it. This is the perfect “anytime” salad recipe. My hubby will probably want me to add salami to it. LOL! Thanks for the recipe. :)
Eileen says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 5:49 pmThis salad looks delicious. I will have to try making it. I love Marzetti’s dressing.
Jacque says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 1:37 pmThis is perfect! My tastebuds have been craving something like this so Im heading straight to the grocrey after work to make me some fabulous pasta!
Kim @ Curtain Queen says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 10:28 amThis looks so refreshing! I’ve printed it, pinned it, and this one’s not getting away from me! Thanks, Ann. :-)
His Blessings,
Kim
Lorraine@Miss Flibbertigibbet says
Monday, May 13, 2013 at 7:28 amLooks yummy! I’ve had this one many times and Marzetti’s dressing makes it so easy to put together! This is the time of year when I’ll make some cold salads early in the day and just throw burgers or chicken on the grill for a quick dinner! Leaves me free to work to the last minute!
Dawn says
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 10:20 pmLove this recipe, so glad it is printable:) Pinning!
Michelle says
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 10:03 pmThere is something about pasta salad that says summer to me. This sounds like a great recipe to try. Summer will be here before we know it! Enjoy your week!
Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com
laurie says
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 9:16 pmthis sounds amazing, I’m not familiar with that dressing, we probably don’t have it here in Canada,
Kelly says
Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 8:27 pmYum, I love to make these types of salads and keep for several days. Just seems that the more time it sits the taste is better. Thanks for sharing. I love Marzetti dressings.