Description
A delightful and versatile Italian Pasta Salad packed with colorful ingredients and flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1 cup olives (e.g., black or green), sliced
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente (7-9 minutes). Then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Mix the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olives, pepperoni, red onion, and bell peppers in a large mixing bowl.
- Dress the salad by drizzling Italian dressing over the mixture and gently tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that flavors will intensify as it sits.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or a main dish. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg