Pasta Bandiera Italian Flag Pasta Salad
Brighten up your table with Pasta Bandiera Italian Flag Pasta Salad—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish inspired by the colors of Italy's flag. Featuring al dente short pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, this quick and easy salad brings together the best of Italian freshness in just 25 minutes. Tossed in a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of garlic, each bite is bursting with Mediterranean flair. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal, this classic pasta salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and let every forkful transport you to the sunny coasts of Italy!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 150 g fresh mozzarella balls
- 20 g fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 piece garlic clove, minced
- 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 directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
While the pasta is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your Pasta Bandiera!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1350 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.4 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.1 g | 140% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 118 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 2143 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.7 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 52.4 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 858 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 848 mg | 18% | |
*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.
