Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup olives (e.g., black or green), sliced
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt and pasta. Cook until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, pepperoni, red onion, and bell peppers. Stir gently.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss gently.
- Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Add fresh basil if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor. Refresh with more dressing before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Italian salad, summer recipes, side dishes, picnic food