Description
Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines colorful tri-color rotini with crunchy vegetables and creamy cheeses, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. This easy-to-make pasta salad is perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks, and can be prepared in just 25 minutes. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite fresh veggies or proteins like chicken or turkey, making it both satisfying and delicious. Ideal for meal prep, this salad tastes even better after chilling, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it in individual bowls or buffet style at your next gathering, and watch it quickly become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 8 ounces olives (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1. Cook the tri-color rotini according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, cubed mozzarella cheese, and sliced olives.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper until well blended.
- 4. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- 5. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg