How to Cook Penne Pasta Salad in 5 Minutes

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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.

Italian Penne Pasta Salad

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

  1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool down the pasta.
  2. 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.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. 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.
  5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. 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!