Tuscan Picnic Pasta Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Tuscan Picnic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings the taste of the Italian countryside right to your table. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a light family meal, this salad is brimming with fresh flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients for Tuscan Picnic Pasta Salad

The star of our dish, tri-color rotini pasta, not only adds visual appeal but also has great texture for holding the dressing. Fresh cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, while cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. Roasted red peppers provide a smoky depth, and black olives contribute a briny note. Creamy mozzarella pearls add richness, balanced by the fragrant fresh basil which brightens everything up. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of the olive brine to the dressing.
  • If you're preparing this in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Swap out mozzarella pearls for feta cheese for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread. For picnics, pack it in individual containers for easy serving and transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or farfalle would work well too, just make sure to cook it al dente.
How long will the salad last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Is there a substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, try using a teaspoon of dried basil or fresh parsley for a different flavor.

Tuscan Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente; you want a little bite to the pasta, not mushiness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool completely. I usually spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.

While the pasta cools, prepare your salad ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the roasted red peppers, and slice the black olives. Toss all these veggies into a large salad bowl along with the mozzarella pearls and chopped fresh basil. By this point, your pasta should be cooled, so add that to the bowl as well.

Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over your pasta salad and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want each piece coated in that delicious dressing.

Finally, finish off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. Give it a taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of fresh and savory — every bite is refreshingly satisfying.
  • Quick to make, with no fussy techniques or special equipment needed.
  • Versatile enough to be a side dish or a main course.
  • Great for meal prep — holds up well in the fridge for days!
  • Colorful and appealing, making it a hit at potlucks and picnics.

Ingredients

12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
8 oz mozzarella pearls
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red peppers, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

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