Pasta Cheese Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Pasta Cheese Salad, a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender rotini or penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sweet red bell pepper, this salad bursts with fresh, colorful vegetables. Cubes of creamy mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated parmesan add a rich, cheesy touch, while savory black olives and fragrant chopped basil elevate the flavor profile. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a hint of garlic, every bite is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal as a light main course or a side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Serve it chilled for ultimate enjoyment, and watch it become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta (rotini or penne)
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 100 grams black olives, sliced
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and sliced black olives.
Add the cubed mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese to the vegetable mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables and cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the top and give the salad one final mix.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
419 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.1 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 898 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.1 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 379 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 445 mg | 9% | |
*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.
