Classic Italian Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
Welcome to another delicious journey on our culinary blog! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant and colorful world of pasta salads with a classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe that promises to be the star of your next gathering or a perfect addition to your weekday meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 1 pound rotini, or another short pasta shape such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; ½ cup chopped red onion; 3.8-ounce can sliced black olives (about 1 cup)
- Cheese: 4 ounces mozzarella, cubed (1 cup); ½ cup shredded or grated Parmesan
- Herbs: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Dressing: 1 cup Italian dressing, store-bought or homemade
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water, then let it drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Allow the pasta to cool, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables and other ingredients. This is a great time to get creative and make sure every piece is chopped to perfection.
- Combine: To the cooled pasta, add the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, cubed mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Pour in the Italian dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Season: Taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the pasta salad again and do a final taste test. Adjust the seasonings if necessary and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Calories: 262 per serving
- Servings: 6
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad not only brings a splash of color to your table but also a burst of fresh flavors that pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Whether it’s alongside grilled meats at a barbecue or as a standalone light lunch, this salad is sure to delight. Its ease of preparation and delightful mix of textures make it a go-to choice for chefs of all skill levels. Enjoy crafting this tasty, nutritious dish, and watch it become a new favorite!
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful feast not only for the eyes but also for the palate, blending the textures and flavors of fresh vegetables, tangy cheese, and a robust Italian dressing. It’s the perfect dish for any gathering where a light, yet satisfying meal is desired.
Ideal for making ahead, this salad shines brighter the next day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you’re packing a picnic, looking for a quick dinner solution, or need a side dish that promises to impress, this pasta salad is your go-to recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta, or other short pasta shape, such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup chopped red onion
3.8 ounce can sliced black olives, about 1 cup
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed (1 cup)
½ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup Italian dressing, store bought or homemade
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, then drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
Set the pasta aside to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients, stirring occasionally.
While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables and other ingredients.
Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, cubed mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Stir in the dressing until well combined. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper as needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir pasta salad again right before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 262 kcal