Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
A vibrant and mouthwatering dish bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and delightful pasta, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta Cooked al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced Red or yellow
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing Store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls Optional
Seasoning and Garnish
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Fresh parsley or basil For garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- As the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Set aside.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and black olives. If you’re using mozzarella balls, add those as well.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Final Touches
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
For best flavor, keep the pasta salad chilled before serving. This dish can be a great side to grilled chicken or fish.