I remember one evening when I was asked to bring a dish to a friend’s casual birthday party for 50 people. I was a bit nervous about cooking for such a crowd, so I decided to try my favorite, a Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe!
I mixed al dente pasta with a zesty Italian dressing, fresh veggies, and creamy mozzarella, and by the end of the night, everyone was asking for seconds. It was a quick and easy Italian Pasta Salad that really pulled the evening together, and it gave me the confidence to cook for big groups again. Enjoy trying it out for your next event!
Cold Pasta Salad for a Crowd (Feeds 50)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Long handled spoon
- Aluminum pan
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 32 oz multi-colored rotini pasta
- 32 oz Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 oz cubed mozzarella cheese
- 20 oz halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 green bell peppers chopped
- 1 1/2 red bell peppers chopped
- 18 oz sliced black olives drained
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.2 lbs 32 oz multi-colored rotini pasta
- Dress Pasta: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Pour in half of the Italian dressing and sprinkle with salt and pepper, stirring well with a long handled spoon.32 oz Italian dressing, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Mix Veggies & Cheese: Add the cubed mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green and red bell peppers, and sliced olives. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the remaining dressing.16 oz cubed mozzarella cheese, 20 oz halved cherry tomatoes, 1 1/2 green bell peppers, 1 1/2 red bell peppers, 18 oz sliced black olives
- Chill & Serve: Spread the pasta salad into an aluminum pan, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
My Ultimate Pasta Salad Pro Tips
Make It Ahead: I always prepare this salad at least 24 hours in advance so the pasta can really soak up the dressing. The flavors meld beautifully overnight!
Stirring Technique: Using a long-handled spoon, I like to gently fold the ingredients together. It takes a bit of extra time, but it ensures every bite has a bit of pasta, veggies, and cheese.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add your favorite vegetables. I’ve experimented with cucumbers and even some red onion for an extra kick. It’s all about what tastes best to you.
Quality Dressing Matters: Since the dressing is a major flavor driver here, I always choose one I really enjoy. A good Italian dressing can make the difference between a good salad and a great one.
Chill Thoroughly: After mixing everything together, I spread the salad into a shallow aluminum pan. This makes it easier to chill evenly and helps with storage if you’re prepping in advance.
Portioning for Consistency: When serving, I use a sturdy, long-handled spoon to scoop out consistent portions. This method keeps the presentation neat and ensures everyone gets a balanced mix.
Work in Batches: When stirring everything together, I find it easier to mix half of the pasta salad at a time. This way, you get a more uniform coating and avoid missing spots.
Mind the Pans: If you’re using aluminum pans, be aware that the acidity in Italian dressing can sometimes affect them. I usually cover my pans with foil or plastic wrap to avoid any off flavors.
Freshness Counts: Using high-quality, fresh vegetables makes a big difference. Even small tweaks, like chopping the tomatoes into quarters instead of halves, can enhance the salad’s texture and flavor.
Extra Dressing on Hand: Since every pasta behaves a bit differently, I always keep an extra bottle of Italian dressing nearby. If the salad feels a bit dry right before serving, a quick drizzle can revive it.
Storage & Safety: This salad is best when chilled and served cold. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just be cautious if it’s been sitting out too long at a party.
