Homestyle Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe – ( Easy to Prepare)

Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 03:00 pm

This Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is simple to make and includes Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, salt, and black pepper. And it takes only 15 minutes to prepare.

The Kraft zesty Italian pasta salad recipe produces a quintessential American cookout classic – the creamy pasta salad with that unforgettable zing. We all have fond memories of scooping the iconic pasta from those cardboard containers onto our paper plates. Though sadly discontinued, this pasta salad lives on in my recreation of the tangy crowd-pleaser. 

This easy copycat recipe captures that nostalgic combination of pasta, vegetables, and creamy Italian dressing that made Kraft’s version so craveable. Even better, preparing it yourself allows you to customize flavors to make exactly what your family and friends will go crazy over.

Get ready for a sweet, tart trip down memory lane with every tangy bite. With minimal time and effort, this light yet flavor-packed copycat will transport you back to the easy summer days you remember.

Bringing a Tangy Twist on an American Classic 

This easy copycat recipe for Kraft’s discontinued Zesty Italian pasta salad captures the nostalgic medley of flavors that made the original version a staple of family cookouts and potlucks for years. With minimal effort, you can recreate this creamy, tangy pasta salad loaded with vegetables and Italian dressing that tastes just like you remember from summertime gatherings gone by.

Customizable Flavors for Your Perfect Pasta Salad 

The beauty of recreating this recipe at home is getting to customize it to suit your tastes. While staying true to the classic combo of pasta, zesty Italian dressing, and chopped veggies, feel free to tweak herbs, spice levels, or add-ins to put your spin on this American favorite. Get ready to enjoy this bright, fresh pasta salad bursting with flavors that are just right for you.

How to Make Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Equipment

The beauty of this pasta salad is that it comes together with minimal kitchen tools. Here is the essential equipment for seamless salad prep:

• Large Pot: Boil pasta in a roomy 6+ quart pot so there’s ample water for even cooking
• Colander: Drain cooked pasta well in a colander sized to fit comfortably inside the pot
• Large Mixing Bowl: Toss pasta, vegetables, and dressing in a 5+ quart bowl so ingredients incorporate nicely
• Mixing Spoons: Stir and coat ingredients using sturdy silicone or wooden spoons
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure all ingredients for best results

Optional Extras for Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: 

• Cutting Board & Knife: Useful if chopping fresh vegetables to add
• Serving Tongs: Grab individual portions without disturbing the salad
• Airtight Container: Store leftovers fresh for 2-3 days
• Salad Dressing Dispenser: Distribute dressing evenly over the salad when tossing

Ingredients

• 12-ounce box of tri-colored pasta (cooked, rinsed, and drained well)
• 1 ¼ cups Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
• 1 cup cherry tomato halves
• 1 cup raw broccoli florets (cut into bite-size pieces)
• ½ cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
• ½ cup real Parmesan cheese (grated and more for topping when serving.)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Add-Ins for Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

The great thing about recreating this pasta salad at home is that you can customize it by mixing in your favorite ingredients. While staying true to the classic flavor profile, feel free to incorporate any of the following add-ins:

• Sliced Olives: Black or green olives lend briny bites of flavor and texture
• Cubed Colby Jack Cheese: Melty morsels of cheese pair perfectly with the creamy dressing
• Mini Pepperoni: For a pizza-inspired twist, dice up some pepperoni to mix throughout
• Sliced Green Pepper: Crisp pepper strips contribute freshness and crunch
• Sliced Onion: Red or white onions add a subtle savory sweetness
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Juicy, poppable tomatoes boost freshness
• Mini Croutons: Toasty bread cubes provide crunch and soak up the tangy dressing

Step by Step Direction with photos

Step One

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Step Two

Drain the cooked pasta very well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and red/yellow peppers to the hot pasta.

Step Three

Sprinkle the vegetable mixture with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together well.

Step Four

Pour the prepared Kraft Italian dressing evenly over the pasta and vegetables.

Step Five

Using a large spoon or spatula, stir to coat all ingredients with the Kraft Italian dressing.

Step Six

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to develop fully.

Step Seven

Before serving the kraft zesty Italian pasta salad, mix thoroughly again. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.

Nutrition of Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Calories: 178 kcal Carbohydrates: 24g Protein: 4g Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 316 mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 4g

Pro Tips for Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

For Ingredients

• Can I use a different pasta shape?

Feel free to substitute rotini with any small pasta like penne, macaroni, or fusilli. The key is to use a shape that catches the tangy dressing.

• Is store-bought Italian dressing okay?

Go ahead and use your favorite pre-made Italian dressing for an easy shortcut flavor. Just tweak herbs or spices if needed.

• What can replace the black olives?

Try kalamata olives, chopped pepperonis, or sun-dried tomatoes for a similar briny, salty pop of flavor.

• Can this pasta salad be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredients in the dressing are gluten-free.

For Instructions

• Should the pasta be cooked al dente?

Yes, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (tender but with a slight firm bite) for the best texture.

• Is it okay to rinse the cooked pasta?

Rinsing prevents sogginess but can rinse away some starch helping the dressing cling. Up to you!

• How long should the salad chill?

Chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld, but overnight produces maximum flavor blending.

For Customizations

• Can I add vegetables and protein?

Absolutely! Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, chicken, or shrimp for extra flavor and textures.

• How can I make this pasta salad spicier?

Stir in red pepper flakes, drizzle with hot sauce, or use a spicier Italian dressing base.

• What are some heartier serving ideas?

Serve alongside crusty bread, mix in brown rice or quinoa, or sprinkle with feta cheese.

Final Thoughts

This easy copycat kraft zesty Italian pasta salad recipe allows you to recreate a beloved American cookout staple. Now that this tangy pasta salad is no longer sold in stores, recreating a batch at home lets you capture that nostalgic flavor combo fresh anytime. It truly transports you right back to carefree summertime fun.

Preparing the recipe yourself also allows you to customize it to your preferences by mixing in extra vegetables, proteins, or spices. While staying true to the classic medley of pasta, Italian dressing, and salty accents, you can put your spin on this crowd-pleasing bowl.

With minimal effort, this light and creamy pasta salad loaded with Kraft zesty Italian dressing allows you to recreate the timeless flavor you know and love from cookouts gone by. Every forkful is sure to bring you back to the easy, breezy essence of summertime and simple flavors done right.

FAQs about Kraft Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

What if my pasta salad seems too dry?

Answer: If your salad is drier than desired, stir in a bit more Italian dressing or a splash of olive oil to achieve the creamy texture you remember.

What if my pasta salad looks watery?

Answer: Excess water from the cooked vegetables can make the salad look runny. Be sure to drain the veggies well before mixing them into the pasta to avoid a watered-down salad.

Why does my pasta salad taste bland?

Answer: High-quality ingredients are key for full flavor. Use a flavorful Italian dressing, bright fresh vegetables, and well-seasoned protein. Boost herbs or spices too.

What if I want to use up veggies in my fridge?

Answer: This versatile pasta salad is the perfect place to use up broccoli, peppers, carrots or other veggies you have on hand! Just be sure to chop everything bite-size.

Can I prepare this pasta salad ahead of time?

Answer: Yes! Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring briefly before serving to redistribute dressing. The longer chill time allows more flavor blending.

How can I make this salad more filling for dinner?

Answer: Serve larger portions over leafy greens, stir in some cooked quinoa or brown rice, add chopped salami or chicken breasts, or sprinkle with feta cheese for extra protein. Hearty enough for a meal!