Italian Style Pasta Salad
Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Italian Style Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners. Made with al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet red bell peppers, and tangy kalamata olives, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Creamy mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves add a touch of authentic Italian charm, while a zesty Italian dressing ties all the components together. Finished with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and a pop of black pepper, this easy-to-make salad delivers bold, fresh flavors in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes (including chill time) and serving up to six, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.75 cup Italian dressing
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the kalamata olives, if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella balls.
Chop or tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces, then add them to the bowl.
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure the salad is well-mixed and flavored to taste.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2255 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 130.5 g | 167% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.0 g | 230% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 175 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 5713 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 178.6 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.0 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.3 g | ||
| Protein | 91.4 g | 183% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1762 mg | 136% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1785 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
