Description
Savory Italian Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing You’ll Love
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Substitute with grape tomatoes if unavailable.)
- 1 cup Cucumber (Any mild cucumber variety works well.)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Swap with yellow or orange peppers for variety.)
- 1/2 medium Red Onion (Green onions can be used for a milder flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Black Olives (Green olives can be used for a different taste profile.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Dried basil can work in a pinch, just adjust the amount.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls (Omit for a vegan option or substitute with diced avocado.)
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil (Try using avocado oil for a different flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if needed.)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (Yellow mustard can be used as an alternative.)
- 1 tbsp Oregano (Italian seasoning can also be a great substitute.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic gives a stronger taste if desired.)
- to taste Salt (Adjust according to your preference.)
- to taste Black Pepper (Adjust according to your preference.)
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (You can omit these for a milder salad.)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (Maple syrup is a perfect vegan-friendly option.)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse it under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- Chop the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the black olives and finely chop the fresh basil for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and maple syrup (or honey).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta, chopped vegetables, sliced olives, and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle the zesty dressing over this colorful mixture and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Before serving, toss again and garnish with additional fresh basil if you like.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Chill for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg