Description

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. It features al dente rotini pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, colorful bell peppers, olives, and creamy mozzarella, all coated in a tangy Italian dressing. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a delicious finishing touch. Easy to make and served chilled, it’s a refreshing and satisfying addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

12 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

3/4 cup zesty Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish and Seasoning

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Prepare the vegetables and cheese: While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, slice the olives, and prepare the mozzarella pearls or cubes.
Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Add the dressing: Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Season and chill: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal note and added color.

Notes

This pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas before tossing with the dressing.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Ensure the pasta is well rinsed and chilled to avoid the salad becoming mushy and to keep it refreshing.