Description
A vibrant and refreshing Italian pasta salad combining al dente rotini, fresh vegetables, tangy cheeses, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for gatherings, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup salami, diced (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red and yellow bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, grated Parmesan cheese, and diced salami if using. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is well coated. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
- The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
- Feel free to substitute any short pasta shape if rotini is unavailable.
- Adding more fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance the flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after chilling since flavors intensify.
