Italian Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); 1 cup bell peppers (diced); 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1 cup mozzarella balls (halved); 1/4 cup black olives (sliced); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

60 min 6 servings Easy

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Italian Pasta Salad

A refreshing and vibrant Italian pasta salad with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. This salad combines pasta with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light dinner. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what's in season or your personal preferences. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Pro tip: Rinsing under cold water also removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from sticking.

Prepare the vegetables

While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, slice the red onion, and chop the basil.

Mix the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste if desired.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, mozzarella balls, black olives, and basil.

Dress the salad

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Pro tip: Be gentle to avoid breaking the mozzarella balls.

Chill and serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together.

Pro tip: Toss again just before serving to refresh the salad.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use rotini or fusilli for the best texture, as they hold dressing well.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavours.
Feel free to swap in your favourite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta is best for Italian pasta salad?

Rotini or fusilli are great choices as their shape holds dressing well.

Can I make Italian pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it's best made ahead and chilled for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavours.

How long can Italian pasta salad be stored?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What vegetables can I use in Italian pasta salad?

Common choices include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions.

Is Italian pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, but you can add protein like grilled chicken if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Italian Pasta Salad chilled for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side dish at a barbecue. You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

10g

Protein

14g

Fat

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