Ingredients
– 12 ounces rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup bell pepper, diced (mix of red and green)
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Making Italian Pasta Salad is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Slice the black olives and cube the mozzarella cheese.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and olives.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture.
5. Toss and Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the dressing evenly coats everything.
6. Chill: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving.
7. Serve: Give it a gentle toss before serving to ensure the dressing is mixed well.
These steps will guide you to create an incredible Italian Pasta Salad that your friends and family will adore!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: For a heartier salad, incorporate proteins such as grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas. This makes the salad more filling and nutritious.