Description
This creamy Italian pasta salad features tender rotini pasta tossed in a zesty Italian dressing and creamy mayonnaise blend, accented with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella pearls add vibrant texture and flavor, making it a refreshing side dish perfect for parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This will create a zesty, creamy dressing that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled pasta into the dressing bowl. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese to the bowl.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy Italian dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and serve chilled.
Notes
- Add olives or pepperoni for an extra burst of Italian flavor.
- This pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish for parties, as flavors improve when chilled.
- Use rotini or any pasta shape that holds dressing well.
- Ensure pasta is fully cooled to prevent the dressing from becoming oily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
