Description
Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer side dish featuring rotini pasta combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. This make-ahead salad is perfect for potlucks or easy weeknight meals, offering a lovely balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 3/4 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices, quartered (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, sliced black olives, red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and salami or pepperoni if using.
- Add Herbs and Dressing: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed, adjusting the flavors to your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld for a more delicious taste.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
- Add a splash more Italian dressing before serving if the salad seems dry.
- Customize the salad by adding artichoke hearts, banana peppers, or grilled chicken for added variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
