Description
This refreshing Italian Pasta Salad combines tri-color rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella balls, bell peppers, red onion, and basil, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion and fresh basil. Set these aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls. Toss gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Toss with dressing and chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss carefully to coat everything. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for a few hours or overnight.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella balls with cubed mozzarella cheese if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken or salami for a heartier salad.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten free.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
