Description
Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Bursting with flavors, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a simple weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy the delightful taste of fresh ingredients mingling together in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2. While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables and pour the dressing on top.
- 5. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for added nutrition. For extra flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top before serving.