Easy and Flavorful Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Easy and Flavorful Italian Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight meals. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, savory olives, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser and tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup cucumber, diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup black or green olives, sliced

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese balls or cubes

• ¼ cup salami, chopped (optional)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Vegetables
   Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the olives and cube the mozzarella if needed.

3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Combine Everything
   In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and salami (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

5. Chill and Serve
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Toss again before serving and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Conclusion

This Italian Pasta Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that delivers fresh flavors in every bite. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days or entertaining guests. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side that everyone will love.