Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Craving a fresh, tangy, and delicious pasta salad that’s easy to make? This Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate answer.
The dish features a perfect blend of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing with crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, and savory cheese.
Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or just a fun weeknight side dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Simple, quick, and packed with flavor, this recipe will be your new go-to.
The vibrant flavors from the tangy dressing bring out the freshness of ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
The pasta provides a satisfying base, making it a perfect side dish to balance out any main course.
Best of all, you can easily adapt the recipe by adding grilled chicken, more veggies, or even swapping in gluten-free pasta.
Prep Time Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Side Dish | Italian | 4–6 servings |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | 4–6 Servings | 8–10 Servings | Alternatives/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta (rotini or bow-tie) | 3 cups cooked | 6 cups cooked | Penne, shells, or elbow macaroni |
| Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing | 1/2 cup | 1 cup | Any Italian dressing or homemade |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup | 2 cups | Grape tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, diced if preferred |
| Cucumber (sliced) | 1/2 cup | 1 cup | Substitute with bell pepper or zucchini |
| Red onion (sliced thin) | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | Use green onions for a milder flavor |
| Black olives (sliced) | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | Substitute with Kalamata olives or green olives |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | Shredded cheddar or Parmesan |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Lets go for the main process.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice (rotini, bow-tie, or penne work great).
Boil the pasta until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the type. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together later.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While your pasta is cooking, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
Slice the black olives and set aside. These fresh veggies add both color and crunch to your salad.
Step 3: Toss the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Then, add in the shredded mozzarella cheese (or another cheese of your choice).
For extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at this point.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Pour 1/2 cup of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
If you’re making a larger batch, just double the amount of dressing accordingly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Once everything is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing. If you have the time, chilling the salad for up to an hour enhances the flavor even more.
Variations to Try
here are some variation of Kraft Zesty Italian pasta salad.
- Add Protein:
- To make this a more filling meal, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Extra Veggies:
- Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, olives, or even fresh spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor profile.
- Cheese Swap:
- If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a different twist on the flavor.
- Spicy Kick:
- Spice up your salad by adding finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Storing Tips
- Storage: This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
- Reheating: It’s best served chilled, but if you want it at room temperature, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Freezing: Pasta salad doesn’t freeze well, as the veggies and dressing lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pasta too soggy? | Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. |
| Too much dressing? | Add more pasta or veggies to balance it out. |
| Salad too dry? | Add a little extra dressing or a splash of olive oil to moisten it. |
FAQs
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes, you can use any Italian dressing or vinaigrette you prefer, but Kraft Zesty Italian is the classic choice for this recipe.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad gets even better after it sits for a while, so feel free to prepare it the night before your event.
Is this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative, and make sure the dressing is dairy-free.
Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
A tangy and vibrant pasta salad featuring Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing, fresh veggies, and cheese. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.
Ingredients
- Pasta (rotini or bow-tie) – 3 cups cooked (substitute with penne, shells, or elbow macaroni)
- Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing – 1/2 cup (any Italian dressing or homemade)
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup halved (grape or Roma tomatoes)
- Cucumber – 1/2 cup sliced (bell pepper or zucchini)
- Red onion – 1/4 cup sliced thin (green onions for a milder flavor)
- Black olives – 1/4 cup sliced (Kalamata olives or green olives)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1/4 cup (cheddar or Parmesan)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
- Prepare vegetables by slicing cucumbers, halving tomatoes, and thinly slicing onions and olives.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
- Add Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Closing Note
This Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad brings together fresh, bold ingredients that will surely become a family favorite.
It’s not only a great side dish but can also stand alone as a light, satisfying meal. Experiment with different add-ins, and let us know your favorite version!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts or any variations in the comments below!
