Italian Herb Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Herb Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 12 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Italian Herb Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that’s perfect for any gathering or as a light lunch. The combination of herbs and a zesty vinaigrette makes it a refreshing choice for any season, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients for Italian Herb Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta gives this salad a hearty base with its fun, spiraled shape that holds onto dressing and bits of herbs. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy, sweet contrast to the savory elements. Black olives add a subtle brininess, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe. Red onion contributes a mild, crisp bite, while bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are key players, providing a fragrant, lively aroma and flavor. Parmesan cheese rounds out the dish with a salty, nutty finish. Finally, a good Italian vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy, herby essence.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
If you’re out of Italian vinaigrette, a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of Italian seasoning will do the trick.
Use the freshest herbs you can find — they make a world of difference in flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish if you're looking to add some protein. It’s also a great companion to a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing. Perfect for an outdoor picnic or a casual dinner with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it in right before serving for the best texture.
What other vegetables can I add?: Feel free to add cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even some roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
How long does this salad keep?: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last about 3-4 days. Just give it a good toss before serving.

Italian Herb Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — perfectly firm to the bite. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down immediately. This keeps the pasta firm for the salad.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and bell pepper. Make sure everything is mixed evenly so you get a bit of each ingredient in every bite.

Add the freshly chopped basil and parsley into the bowl. These herbs are your secret weapon for a fresh and aromatic flavor that will elevate your salad.

Pour the Italian vinaigrette over the salad, and gently toss everything together until it's all well coated. Take a moment to admire the colors — it’s a feast for the eyes too!

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the parmesan will add some saltiness too, so don't go overboard. Speaking of which, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for a perfect finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
Uses fresh herbs that add an aromatic and flavorful touch.
Serves as a versatile dish; great as a main course or a side.
It's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Perfect for potlucks and picnics — it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and bell pepper.

3. Add the chopped basil and parsley to the bowl and toss to combine.

4. Pour the Italian vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.