Description
This easy pasta salad is loaded with colorful vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep, featuring a mix of crunchy veggies and classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Toss again gently before serving if chilled for several hours to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
- Add salami, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
- Toss the salad again just before serving if it has been chilled for several hours to ensure even coating of dressing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
