Description
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with colorful veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni (chopped, optional)
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and salami or pepperoni if using.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving if desired.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance and gets even better as it sits.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
