Italian Pasta Salad
A colorful, tasty, and easy-to-prepare dish that combines fresh vegetables, cheese, and pasta, perfect for any gathering or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta Cook until al dente
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced Any color you prefer
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup olives, sliced Black or green
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Optional
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped For garnish
Dressing
- ½ cup Italian dressing Store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Combining the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and mix everything well.
Serving
- If you like, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Top the salad with fresh basil for a nice touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
You can serve Italian Pasta Salad as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic. It’s also great as a light lunch on its own. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Make sure to have some extra dressing on the side for those who like more flavor! To store, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, consider omitting the dressing until ready to serve.