Easy French Dressing Pasta Salad – Quick & Delicious Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Easy French Dressing Pasta Salad is your answer! Combining tender pasta with crisp vegetables and the irresistible tang of French dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (about 3.5 cups) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
• 1 cup French dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (optional, for a heartier meal)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or small mozzarella balls (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare all the vegetables: dice the bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the black olives if using.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and black olives.
4. If using, add the cooked chicken and feta or mozzarella cheese to the bowl.
5. Pour the French dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.