Traditional Italian Pasta Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Traditional Italian Pasta Delight is a sunshine-filled bowl of joy that brings a taste of Italy right to your dining table. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, combining fresh, vibrant ingredients with a simple, flavorful dressing.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Pasta Delight

Rotini pasta is the backbone of this dish, offering a hearty base that holds the dressing beautifully in its spirals. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while mozzarella balls bring a creamy, mild contrast. Black olives contribute a briny depth, and red onion offers a delicate sharpness. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley not only brighten the flavor but add a lovely fragrance. The Italian dressing ties everything together with its tangy and herbal notes.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the mozzarella balls in a bit of olive oil and herbs before adding them to the salad.
  • If you’re in a hurry, a quick chill in the freezer (about 10-15 minutes) can help speed up the cooling process.
  • Use a high-quality Italian dressing or make your own for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. It also makes a great side dish for a barbecue, alongside other fresh salads or a crusty loaf of garlic bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli or penne work well, too. Just make sure it's a pasta that holds dressing well.
How long can I store leftovers?
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I add other ingredients?
Feel free to experiment with ingredients like bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grilled vegetables.

Traditional Italian Pasta Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, let's get that pasta going. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture — firm but cooked through. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Now it's time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, basil, and parsley. Give it a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Use a large spoon or your hands to toss everything until well coated. This ensures that every bite is infused with that delicious dressing.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Light yet satisfying, ideal for a summer barbecue or picnic.
  • Flexible ingredients allow for easy substitutions based on personal preference.
  • Great make-ahead dish, as flavors deepen when allowed to sit.

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/3 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, basil, and parsley.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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