Classic Pasta Salad

Name: Classic Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced; 4 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese; 3/4 cup Italian dressing, plus more to taste; Salt and black pepper to taste

6 servings15 min prep12 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Classic Pasta Salad

Story updated September 18, 2026

Pasta salad became popular in mid-20th century United States as dried pasta grew widely available in home kitchens, making it a natural addition to the American potluck and picnic table alongside more established mayonnaise-based salads.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
4 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
3/4 cup Italian dressing, plus more to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
2In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and mozzarella.
3Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
4Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
5Toss again and add a splash more dressing before serving if the pasta has absorbed it.

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