If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dish, then Italian Penne Pasta Salad is the perfect choice for you! This vibrant salad combines the heartiness of penne pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, making it an ideal meal for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. Let’s dive into this easy and scrumptious recipe!
Italian Penne Pasta Salad
Take a look at this beautiful Italian Penne Pasta Salad, a dish that not only looks appealing but also tantalizes your taste buds. It’s packed with flavor and offers a delightful combination of textures.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool down the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the pasta and veggies intact.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s bursting with colors and flavors!
This Italian Penne Pasta Salad is not just a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. Perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying on a summer day, it’ll surely be a crowd-pleaser!