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Pasta salad recipe

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Emily
A vibrant, flavorful pasta salad perfect for cookouts and BBQs with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and Italian dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
chilling time 1 hour
Total Time 27 minutes
Course LUNCH
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls halved
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to boil. Cook 1 pound rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 1 minute less than recommended. Drain without rinsing.
  • While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper, finely dice 1/2 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup black olives.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Transfer warm drained pasta to the bowl with dressing. Toss immediately to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally to help pasta absorb flavors.
  • Add prepared vegetables and 8 ounces halved mozzarella pearls to the pasta. Toss gently to combine without crushing the cheese.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or vinegar if needed.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature and toss again before serving. Add extra dressing if pasta appears dry.

Notes

  • Cook pasta in well-salted water for best flavor
  • Dress pasta while still warm for better absorption
  • Reserve extra dressing to refresh before serving
  • Add fresh herbs right before serving for maximum vibrancy
  • Keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days
Keyword pasta salad recipe