Pasta House Salad Recipe - Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
This Pasta House Salad Recipe is the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a tangy dressing. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or as a light main course. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this salad is perfect for family gatherings or a refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta cooked al dente
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley optional
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes, and slice the bell pepper and red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced vegetables, black olives, and cheeses. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley (optional). Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
You can add grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein.
To make it even more colorful, try adding bell peppers in different colors or even some cherry tomatoes.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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