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+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings, featuring fresh ingredients and no cooking required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Spiral Rotini Pasta can substitute with bowtie or penne
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved; grape tomatoes can be used
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion finely diced; green onions can be used for milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced; can substitute with green olives or omit
For the Cheese
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Balls can substitute with feta or cubed cheddar
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spiral rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold running water for 1–2 minutes to cool it down and remove excess starch.
  3. Chop the vegetables: slice the cherry tomatoes in half, finely dice the red onion, and slice the black olives. Cut mozzarella balls in half.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and mozzarella. Gently fold to mix.
  5. Drizzle Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
  6. Transfer the salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, add dressing just before serving to retain the crispness of the veggies. This salad can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

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