Description
A refreshing and colorful summer pasta salad loaded with crunchy vegetables and creamy mozzarella, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups pasta (your choice, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onion; slice olives.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad; toss to coat.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve chilled, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different dressings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, summer recipe, easy salad, refreshing dish, vegetarian salad