This Easy Pasta Salad is one of the simplest side dishes you’ll ever make! It’s ready in under 20 minutes and made with just four ingredients! It’s a regular at our house!
Today’s recipe is so simple, y’all, that I almost wasn’t sure if it was worth posting. But then I thought, the easy recipes are the ones I always go looking for, and I’m sure many of y’all feel the same way!
I make this pasta salad all the time. It’s one of my go-to side dishes for barbecues or potlucks, and I love taking the leftovers home to enjoy with lunch or dinner the next day. You can spice this up however you like by adding different veggies, but this is my favorite combination out of all that I’ve tried.
All you need is multi-colored pasta, italian dressing, a block of cheddar cheese, and some sweet bell peppers. I’m in love with mini sweet peppers (see my Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers that I shared recently here) so if I have those on hand, I’ll throw them in. Otherwise, I just use two big peppers. Any color will do. 🙂
Enjoy!!
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) package multicolored pasta
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 8 oz block cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped, any color (I like red, orange, or yellow)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, then rinse with cold water. Allow to drain thoroughly, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Stir in the Italian dressing, cubed cheddar, and chopped peppers. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat. This can be eaten right away, but it tastes best if its had at least an hour or two to chill. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Chiell Ann says
MmMm this is great!! I love how healthy it is and how colorful it comes out!
Carissa says
I love pasta salad! I usually only make it in the summer but this looks delicious and I plan to try this recipe soon!!!
Bella says
yummm i love a good pasta salad!! i gotta try this recipe thanks for sharing
julie says
I love easy and this sure seems to be in that category. I would substitute gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cheese substitute. I am willing to give it a try!
Lori says
This salad is gorgeous and I love the vibrant colors and addition of the peppers. My family enjoys pasta dishes and these bow ties are just the cutest!
Mimi says
I swear by pasta salads, my mom makes them in batches and it lasts forever ahahh so yummy
Sue Ringsdorf says
I love easy pasta recipes, and this one looks like a real winner! I’ve got boys to feed, so am definitely going to try your recipe. BTW, I’m from Texas too! 🙂
Andrea Metlika says
Looks so good. I’m always looking for easy recipes that are versatile like this. Not just a side dish.
Pam Greer says
It’s hard to believe that something so simple tastes so good, but it does!! This has become my go to pasta salad recipe also!
Laura says
This recipe is such a great option to have ready for a quick meal – only four ingredients… I would like to see more recipes that are regular in your house now!
Kristen says
This pasta salad is so good. I love quick and easy recipes and this one nails it. Thank you!
Sandi says
I am going to make this is Gluten Free Pasta and serve it to the fam and see how they like it! It looks amazing!
Morgan B. Eisenberg says
I love a great pasta salad. This version looks delicious and simple to throw together!
Heidy L. McCallum says
This pasta salad is perfect for Labor day! So easy and delicious looking.
cathy says
I could eat this every day.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Easy recipes are the best! I’d throw some chopped ham in this and call it dinner!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I gravitate towards pasta salad whenever I see it on a buffet table. This one would go on my plate first, for sure!
Michelle | A Latte Food says
I love pasta salad! This one looks incredible! Love the addition of cheese!
Matthew From Nomageddon says
Perfect for spring!
Amy Stafford says
Pasta salad reminds me of summer and I am soooo ready for the warmer temps. I love how easy this recipe is to pull together. Perfect to take to the summer BBQ
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
When summer hits, this is all we eat!