This 3-ingredient pasta salad is the kind of dish that shows up at every family gathering and disappears before the rest of the food is even set out. My aunt started bringing it to potlucks in the late ’80s, when spiral pasta salads were having a moment, and she’s never stopped because people won’t let her. It’s nothing fancy—just tender rotini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a good-quality Italian dressing—but the balance of texture and bright, herby flavor makes it taste like more than the sum of its parts.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cookouts, or any time you need something you can toss together in one bowl and tuck into a plastic container to go.
Serve this pasta salad well-chilled alongside grilled chicken, sausages, or simple burgers for a classic Midwestern cookout spread. It’s also lovely next to roasted vegetables or a big green salad for a lighter meal. I like to set it out in the same white plastic container it was chilled in, with a big spoon for scooping and a small bowl of extra Italian dressing on the side so people can refresh their portion if it’s been sitting out for a while.
3-Ingredient Pasta Salad
Servings: 6
