Marinated Cheese Appetizer Pasta Salad
Elevate your next gathering with this irresistible Marinated Cheese Appetizer Pasta Salad, a crowd-pleasing fusion of vibrant flavors and textures. This easy-to-make dish combines al dente pasta with creamy marinated mozzarella balls, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing with a splash of red wine vinegar for an extra punch. Perfectly balanced and refreshingly chilled, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a versatile addition to your menu, whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, this pasta salad is a go-to recipe for summer picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. Make ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully, and be ready to impress with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (e.g., rotini or bowtie)
- 8 oz Marinated mozzarella balls
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 0.25 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, marinated mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or pepper.
Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
293 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.7 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 807 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 12.2 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 243 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 6% | |
*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.
