Description
This Italian pasta salad is bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings, it’s a delightful combination of pasta, vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, black olives, red onion, and mozzarella balls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Gently fold in the fresh basil.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, artichokes, or avocado.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or salami for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, pasta salad recipes, fresh pasta salad, bold flavor pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad