Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Italian Dressing Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, red onion, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, summer gatherings, or a quick lunch, this vegetarian salad can be prepared ahead and customized with your favorite veggies or protein additions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls or cubes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add dressing and season: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken slices or chickpeas before tossing with the dressing.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Feel free to swap or add other seasonal vegetables based on availability and preference.
