This Italian pasta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal. Made with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as olives, cheese, or meats, making it versatile for any occasion.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad
This Italian pasta salad bursts with color and flavor, making it an appealing choice for any gathering. With a base of rotini pasta, the dish is complemented by vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and diced bell peppers. These fresh ingredients not only add visual appeal but also contribute to a delightful crunch in every bite.
Herbs and Cheese for Added Flavor
Fresh basil elevates the salad, introducing a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall taste.
The addition of mozzarella cubes provides a creamy texture, balancing the crispness of the vegetables.
Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This pasta salad is versatile, making it suitable for various occasions.
Whether it’s a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a simple family dinner, this dish fits right in.
Its colorful presentation and delicious taste are sure to impress guests and family alike.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables and mozzarella, ensuring everything is ready for assembly.
Dress It Up
The tangy Italian dressing ties all the ingredients together, adding a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
Once the salad is assembled, a brief chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
This step is essential for achieving a well-balanced taste that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions
For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta salad in a large bowl on a rustic wooden table.
Pair it with a refreshing glass of iced tea to create a casual dining atmosphere.
This combination not only looks appealing but also makes for a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad features cooked pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives, all coated in a tangy Italian dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and basil.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
