Zesty salad –If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your meal, this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for you! Not only is it vibrant and colorful, but it’s also packed with fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, or simply a hearty dinner at home. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy. The zesty dressing complements the pasta and vegetables beautifully, ensuring each bite is a tasty experience.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (your choice, such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for color)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as you prefer.
- For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.
- Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing, zesty flavors!
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is not just easy to make, but it also offers great flexibility. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorites. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!