Are you looking for a dish that’s not only vibrant but also incredibly easy to whip up? This Italian Pasta Salad is the answer. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with flavor and color. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and dressings, making it as unique as you are.
This Pasta Salad is the ideal companion for warm weather gatherings. With fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing choice that’ll make you feel like you’re dining al fresco in Italy. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it for days!
Colorful Ingredients in Every Bite
Creating an Italian pasta salad is like painting a canvas with vibrant colors. The rotini pasta serves as a delightful base, perfectly complementing the medley of fresh ingredients.
Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, while diced cucumbers add a crisp crunch. Bell peppers bring a spectrum of shades, and red onions contribute a zesty kick to every mouthful.
To top it off, mozzarella balls add a creamy texture that ties the dish together. Each ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a visually stunning presentation.
The Perfect Dressing for Vibrancy
A light vinaigrette is the secret weapon for this pasta salad. It gently coats the ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them.
With a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning, the dressing introduces a delightful tang that invigorates the entire dish.
Seasoning with salt and pepper allows for personalization, ensuring that every bite meets individual taste preferences. This dressing not only complements the salad but also adds a fresh and tangy brightness that is undeniably refreshing.
Effortless Preparation for Any Occasion
Making this Italian pasta salad is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Begin by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente, allowing it to maintain its structure when mixed with the vegetables.
After rinsing the pasta to cool it down, simply combine it with the chopped veggies and mozzarella in a large bowl.
Add the dressing, toss gently, and let the salad chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. This easy preparation makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Versatility for Your Taste
This Italian pasta salad is incredibly versatile. While the recipe features specific ingredients, feel free to customize it according to your preferences.
Add olives for a briny touch or incorporate seasonal vegetables for extra crunch.
With its flexible nature, this salad can suit various dietary needs and flavor profiles, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied.
It’s a dish that invites creativity, allowing for endless combinations and variations.
Perfect for Any Season
Whether it’s a sunny picnic in the park or a cozy dinner at home, this pasta salad fits right in.
Its refreshing qualities make it especially enjoyable during warm weather, providing a light yet filling option for any meal.
However, its heartiness ensures it can be enjoyed year-round, making it a staple recipe for any kitchen.
With its ability to hold up well in the refrigerator, this pasta salad can be prepped ahead of time, allowing for easy serving throughout the week.
A Dish That Tells a Story
Each bowl of this Italian pasta salad tells a story of fresh ingredients and shared moments.
Whether served at a family gathering or a casual lunch with friends, this dish brings people together around the table.
Its vibrant colors are a feast for the eyes, while its delightful flavors provide a satisfying culinary experience.
As you enjoy this salad, savor not just the taste, but the memories created with each shared meal.
Easy and Delicious Pasta Salad
This Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. Each bite bursts with flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
The balance of crunchy vegetables and tender pasta creates a wonderful texture, while the dressing brings it all together with a zesty kick.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and parsley.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
