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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad with colorful veggies, tangy olives, and a lively Italian dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle) Cooked until al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced Use a mix of colors for extra flair
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped For added flavor
Dressing
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, thinly slice the onion, and slice the olives.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle.

Notes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, homemade garlic bread, or burgers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing due to the texture of veggies and cheese.