Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Classic Italian Pasta Salad made with fresh veggies, cheese, and zesty dressing. A quick, flavorful dish perfect for meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta tri-color preferred
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ¾ cup black olives sliced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¾ cup turkey pepperoni slices or beef alternative
- ½ cup bell peppers chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
- ¾ cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- First, pasta should be boiled in salted water until al dente. Then, it should be drained and rinsed under cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare Ingredients
- Meanwhile, vegetables and add-ins should be chopped evenly to ensure balanced bites.
Combine Everything
- Next, pasta, vegetables, cheese, and protein should be added to a large mixing bowl.
Add Dressing
- After that, dressing should be poured over the mixture and gently tossed until evenly coated.
Chill for Flavor
- Finally, the salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour. This allows flavors to blend beautifully.