Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mozzarella balls; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

why make this recipe

Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines pasta with fresh vegetables and tangy dressing, making it a light yet filling meal. This salad is great for picnics, potlucks, or simply a quick lunch. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it ideal for busy days.

how to make Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine well.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

how to serve Italian Pasta Salad

Serve Italian Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.

how to store Italian Pasta Salad

To store Italian Pasta Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If the salad gets too dry, you can add a little more olive oil or vinegar before serving.

tips to make Italian Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the salad.
Feel free to mix in or swap out vegetables based on what you have, such as cucumber or spinach.
For extra flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for added taste.

variation

You can customize this salad to your liking by adding different proteins such as salami or chickpeas. Consider using different kinds of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day or two ahead. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work well in this salad.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.