Get ready to transport yourself to the sunny streets of Italy with this mouthwatering pasta salad that's not just a recipe, but a culinary adventure! Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're planning a picnic, a summer barbecue, or just craving a quick and delicious meal, this Easy Classic Italian Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the black olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, cubed mozzarella, and red onion.
- Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the pasta mixture.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
- Always cook your pasta al dente - it should have a slight bite to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the most vibrant taste.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or salami.
- For best results, make the pasta salad a day ahead to enhance the flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 361kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
