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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad
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Italian Pasta Salad is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dish combining spiral pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, tangy cheese, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Rotini pasta – 12 ounces

Vegetables & Cheese

  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber – 1 medium, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • Kalamata olives – 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
  • Mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, diced or shaved
  • Red onion – 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves – 1/4 cup, roughly torn

Dressing & Seasoning

  • Italian dressing – 1/3 cup
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the red onion, and cut mozzarella or shave Parmesan cheese. Ensure all ingredients are fresh and evenly sized for a balanced texture.
  3. Mix the Dressing and Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with Italian dressing, coating evenly. Add the vegetables, olives, cheese, and fresh basil leaves, gently folding to combine flavors without breaking delicate ingredients.
  4. Season and Chill: Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use al dente pasta to avoid a mushy salad and maintain a pleasant texture.
  • Chill the salad before serving to deepen flavors.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for the best aroma and taste.
  • Start with less dressing and add more as needed to prevent sogginess.
  • Keep all ingredients bite-sized for easier eating and better presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, pasta salad, Italian salad, picnic salad, quick meal, rotini pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/italian-pasta-salad/