Explore the delightful flavors of American-Italian cuisine with this refreshing American-Italian Pasta Salad. Perfect for gatherings or as a meal prep option, this salad combines vibrant vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and a tangy dressing to create a dish that everyone will love. Below, you’ll find the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this enticing salad.
American-Italian Pasta Salad
This hearty pasta salad bursts with flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Here’s how to prepare it:
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/664489-1da22e35b5b14738aaa573705cf462bb.jpg)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and parsley.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Feel free to add more dressing if desired for enhanced flavor.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve cold or at room temperature. This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or as a light meal on its own.
Enjoy this invigorating American-Italian Pasta Salad, a dish that promises to please both family and friends with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors!