Timeless Italian Pasta Salad

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to the delightful world of Italian cuisine with this Timeless Italian Pasta Salad! It's a vibrant, colorful dish that beautifully marries fresh ingredients with classic flavors, perfect for any gathering or a simple family meal.

Ingredients for Timeless Italian Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta is perfect for this salad because its twists hold onto the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness. Sliced black olives bring a touch of briny, savory flavor. The combination of diced red and green bell peppers provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. Red onion adds a bit of sharpness, balancing the richness of the cubed mozzarella cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the overall umami profile. Fresh basil brings a fragrant herbaceous note, tying all the flavors together. Finally, a drizzle of Italian dressing coats everything in a tangy, flavorful embrace, with salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh mozzarella if possible — it makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
  • For more flavor, marinate your veggies in the dressing for 15 minutes before mixing with pasta.
  • Chop ingredients uniformly for a harmonious texture and presentation.
  • If making ahead, add basil just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. Serve it alongside a crusty loaf of garlic bread and a crisp, chilled glass of white wine. It’s also a fantastic addition to a picnic or potluck spread!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli or penne would work well too, as they hold onto the dressing nicely.
How long can I store the pasta salad?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving.
Is there a good substitute for Italian dressing?
You can make a quick homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Timeless Italian Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial to ensure your pasta salad isn't overly starchy and clumped together.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your prepared veggies: the cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red and green bell peppers, and finely chopped red onion. These fresh ingredients add a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

Next, add the cubed mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. These cheeses add a creamy richness that balances the acidity of the dressing. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil for that unmistakable Italian aromatic flair.

Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure all the ingredients are well-coated and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping it balanced without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your pasta salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect for preparing in advance — flavors deepen over time.
  • Versatile dish that can be a side or a main course.
  • Colorful presentation that's visually appealing.
  • Great way to use up fresh produce from your garden or market haul.

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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