Zesty southern pasta and bean salad –For anyone looking to elevate their next potluck or gathering, we have the perfect dish that combines vibrant flavors and a delightful texture—Zesty Italian Pasta Salad! This refreshing salad is a crowd-pleaser, blending fresh ingredients with a tangy dressing for a taste of summer on your plate. Below, you’ll find everything you need to create this dish that will leave your friends asking for seconds!
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Enjoy the colorful array of vegetables and the richness of homemade dressing that takes this pasta salad over the top. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Toss to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it a final toss.
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious and zesty creation!
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s ideal for barbeques, picnics, and just about any occasion where good food and good company meet. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress!