Cheese and pecan pasta salad –When it comes to pasta salads, nothing beats the vibrant and delightful flavors of an Italian Pasta Salad. This dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a sunny day. Packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that can be tailored to your tastes!
Italian Pasta Salad
Looking for a dish that showcases a colorful medley of ingredients? This Italian Pasta Salad not only looks appealing but also tastes fantastic. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal and can even stand alone as a light lunch. Below are all the ingredients you’ll need, along with simple steps to whip it up!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh basil. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Drizzle your choice of Italian dressing over the salad. If you’re opting for homemade dressing, simply whisk together olive oil, vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Toss the salad gently, ensuring all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This Italian Pasta Salad is not only quick to make, but it also provides a refreshing burst of flavors with every bite. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or salami to make it your own. Enjoy the beauty of this dish and share it with friends and family for an unforgettable meal!