Instant Pot Pasta Salad Recipe

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 12:27 am

Pasta salad is the perfect side dish for that backyard summer BBQ or party. Pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser and so easy. I know boiling pasta on the stovetop isn’t difficult or even super time-consuming, but I’m all about making my life easier. So why not do it the easy way and use the Instant Pot? Dump the pasta in and walk away, no babysitting a boiling pot or heating up the house in the summertime. The pasta cooks perfectly al dente and comes together with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Instant Pot Pasta Salad is such a great side dish, it inspired these other easy Instant Pot Recipes: Instant Pot Corn On The Cob, 6-Ingredient Instant Pot Chili & Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps. And for a gluten-free pasta salad check out this Banza Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe.

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Jump to:

• Instant Pot Recipes
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients:
• Equipment
• Instructions
• Instant Pot Pasta Formula
• Substitutions
• Recipe Variations:
• Additional Ingredient Ideas:
• What To Serve With Pasta Salad:
• Storage
• Make Ahead
• Storage
• Equipment
• Top tip
• Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Recipes

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients:

• Cold water
• Tri-colored rotini
• Sea salt
• Zesty Italian dressing
• Sharp cheddar cheese cubed
• Pepperoni slices halved or quartered 
• Sliced black olives
• Italian seasoning 

Equipment

• Instant Pot 6 quart Duo
• Silicone Pinch Mitts Pot Holders
• Collapsible Colander
• Ceramic Knife
• Cutting Board

Instructions

1. Add 4 cups of water, sea salt, and tri-colored rotini to the pressure cooker.
2. Stir gently and place the lid on with the vent knob turned to the sealing position.
3. Using the high pressure setting set the cook time to 3 minutes.
4. When the cooking cycle is complete, quick release the pressure immediately.
5. Carefully drain the cooked pasta into a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Once the past has cooled completely and drained for a couple of minutes place it in a large mixing bowl.
7. Add Italian seasoning, and Italian dressing to the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
8. Add sliced olives, shredded cheese, and sliced pepperoni toss gently to combine.
9. Move the assembled pasta salad to an airtight container and place it in the fridge.
10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
11. Before serving toss again and add a splash more Italian dressing if needed.

Instant Pot Pasta Formula

As a general rule of thumb when cooking pasta (short cut varieties) in the Instant Pot refer to the package directions for recommended cooking time for the stovetop. If this number is an odd number round down and divide that number by 2. For example, if the package directions say to boil for 7 minutes, I'd round down to 6 and divide that by 2 leaving me a 3-minute cooking time for the instant pot. For pasta, you will never leave the Instant Pot to do a natural pressure release or you will overcook the pasta and it will turn out mushy. Always quick-release the pressure immediately after the pressure cooker beeps to signal the cooking time is complete.

Substitutions

• Gluten-free pasta - try Banza Rotini pasta. Go here for full instructions on how to make Banza in the Instant Pot.
• Type of pasta - if rotini noodles aren't available use any short cut pasta you have on hand like elbow macaroni, penne, farfalle, or medium shells.
• Vegetarian - Omit the pepperoni and add your choice of veggies & chickpeas for added protein.

Recipe Variations:

There is no right or wrong when it comes to pasta salad. You can swap out any of the main ingredients and add your favorite ingredients to this to make it your own. Substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the sharp cheddar cheese or Olive Garden Italian Dressing for Zesty Kraft Dressing.

Additional Ingredient Ideas:

Fresh Vegetables:

• Diced Bell Peppers
• Sliced Green Onions
• Fresh Herbs
• Diced Red Onion
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Juicy Cherry Tomatoes
• Diced Cucumbers

Cheese:

• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
• Feta Cheese
• Pimento Cheese
• Romano Cheese
• Colby Jack Cheese

Meat:

• Cubed Ham
• Sliced Salami
• Mini Pepperoni

Toppings:

• Bacon Crumbles
• Pine Nuts
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Chickpeas

Dressing:

• Zesty Italian Dressing
• Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing & Marinade

As you can see the possibilities with pasta salad really are endless. The best way to make it is to use a combination of your favorite ingredients, remember, you can always try a totally different variation next time.

What To Serve With Pasta Salad:

For a full list of main dishes, side dishes, and desserts to serve with pasta salad check out What Goes With Pasta Salad: 25 Easy Ideas. A few great options are:

• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches 
• Sloppy Joes 
• Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
• Easy Fruit Salad
• Winger's Sticky Fingers

Storage

Once the pasta salad is assembled store it in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. If needed add a tablespoon or two of dressing before serving as the pasta may soak up the dressing as it sits. Make Instant Pot Pasta Salad up to 24 hours in advance.

Make Ahead

I always recommend making pasta salad a few hours in advance up to the night before you need it. Having time to chill the pasta and allow it to absorb some of the spices and flavors of the Italian dressing make it more pronounced. Prepare all the different ingredients and combine them in a large bowl, toss to combine with the dressing, and store in an airtight container overnight.

Storage

Pasta salad stores best in a large bowl with an air-tight lid. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When serving leftovers you may need to add a splash of salad dressing and toss to break up the noodles if they are stuck together.

Equipment

Prepare pasta in a large stock pot like this and rinse and drain it using a collapsible colander. A sharp knife or food processor can also be beneficial when chopping meats and vegetables.

Top tip

The key to making pasta in the Instant Pot successfully is making sure you are using enough water to cook the pasta and doing a quick-pressure release to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Why is my pasta salad mushy?

If you pasta in your pasta salad is mushy you may have overcooked the pasta. It is important to prepare pasta al dente when making pasta salad. Follow the package directions for al dente results or cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Also, be sure to rinse the pasta immediately after cooking with cold water to stop the cooking process.

How long to cook pasta in the Instant Pot?

Typically you will only pressure cook past for 2-4 minutes depending on the package directions, follow this formula for perfect pasta every time. Package cooking time rounded down to an even number and divide that number by 2.

Instant Pot Pasta Salad Dressing

• Zesty Italian Dressing
• Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing & Marinade