Italian Pasta Salad
A refreshing and colorful salad with pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing — perfect for picnics or summer meals.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Whisk
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta rotini or bow-tie
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls bite-sized
Italian Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, basil, and mozzarella balls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Customize your salad with grilled chicken, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for picnics or meal prep!
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 9gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.3mg
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