Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (2024)

It's officially Spring. I'll say it! Because we REALLY need something to look forward to right now, am I right?! I've got some cute little baby chickens on the way, more on that in another post! I've got salads for DAYZZ. First of many, is this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad.

Healthy Pasta Salad

I've put a lean and green spin on this classic recipe my mom used to make by swapping pasta for ZUCCHINI pasta! Noodles made with zucchini. And it totally transforms this salad.

Another way you could make this pasta salad super healthy and packed with protein is to swap in your favorite chickpea or lentil pasta. I tend to go with Banza pasta or Tolerant as our family favorites.

Benefits Of Using Zucchini Noodles

The zucchini noodle or "zoodle" are not only are an amazing pasta alternative but make an excellent base for a salad!

When uncooked, these veggies actually have a great little bite while still remaining tender but NOT mushy.

I'm all about that! It'll revitalize some of those boring greens we've been stuck in a rut with and you'll be craving this all spring and summer.

A Comfort Food Favorite

So my mom makes this Italian pasta salad very often that has feta, Olive Garden salad dressing (because duh, we know that's the best one), cucumber, olives, and tomatoes.

It's all the things my mother loves and it brings back tons of good family dinner memories. I decided to go low carb and recreate this using zucchini noodles!

Another reason I have such good memories surrounding this is because of what we eat it with! Spring and Summer food pair so well with this salad like grilled fish or chicken.

Try serving this with my Grilled Chicken Sliders or Lebanese Chicken Kafta!

The Best Zesty Italian Dressing

Is it even a question that Olive Garden Italian dressing IS the best!? It's my favorite Italian dressing to use and many of your local grocery stores should carry it.

I've found it at Kroger, Aldi, Sams, and more! If you cannot seem to find it though, just make sure whichever one you choose is labeled "zesty" Italian dressing.

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 3 zucchini
• 1 English cucumber
• 1 bell pepper, any color is fine!
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped green olives
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup favorite Italian Dressing, I used this one!
• ¼ red onion finely chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese

How To Make Italian Zucchini Noodle Salad

1. Spiralize your zucchini using a spiralizer like any of these! (Veggetti, Kitchen Aid Spiralizer, Juliene Peeler)
2. Put the noodles in a colander over a large bowl to let any water drain out, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Finely chop cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, green olives and red onion and add to the collander with the zucchini noodles
4. Shake the colander over the large bowl and discard any water that comes out.
5. Combine all ingredients in the large bowl and pour over ½ cup of Italian Dressing.
6. Serve with crumbled feta on top!

How To Store Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Since this is a chilled pasta salad, simply store it in the fridge for up to 5 days in an air tight container.

If you keep it longer than that which ever noodle you chose to use will get very soggy and not so enjoyable!

More Salad Recipes

Tabouli Salad

Garlicky Kale Panzanella

Fall Harvest Salad

📖 Recipe