Description
A delightful and refreshing pasta salad with Italian flavors, featuring rotini or bowtie pasta, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing. This colorful dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- 1 cup bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¾ cup black olives (sliced)
- ¾ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
- ½ cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional)
Dressing:
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and salami.
- Add Dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Add Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors. Toss again before serving.
Notes
- Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami or use a meat substitute.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
