Classic Italian Pasta Salad
A refreshing and comforting pasta salad, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and chop the red onion.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella.
- Add the Dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Taste: Toss until well combined and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve It Up: Toss gently before serving, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!
Notes
This pasta salad is versatile; feel free to adapt based on available ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Italian, summer recipe, vegetarian, picnic