Description
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with crunchy vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, meal prepping, and summer gatherings with its bright flavors and easy prep.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 350 g rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
Zesty Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 350 g of rotini or bow-tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls, 1/4 finely sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste until emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared zesty Italian dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Give it a gentle stir before serving. Add a splash of dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much dressing.
Notes
- For added protein, incorporate pepperoni slices, salami, or grilled chicken pieces.
- The flavors develop and improve after chilling, making it ideal to prepare in advance.
- If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a bit more dressing and toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Side Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
