Name: Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or bow tie); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Classic Italian Pasta Salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

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why make this recipe

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be a great side for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. This salad is colorful, full of flavor, and packed with fresh ingredients.

how to make Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or bow tie)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Serve the Classic Italian Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish, or you can enjoy it as a light meal. You can add extra toppings or dressings if you like, and serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Classic Italian Pasta Salad

You can store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 2 to 3 days. If you find it dry after a day, simply add a little more olive oil or vinegar before serving.

tips to make Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Make sure to cool the pasta before adding the other ingredients to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Adding more Italian seasoning or herbs can enhance the flavor.
You can make this salad a day ahead to let the flavors blend together better.

variation

You can customize this pasta salad by adding ingredients like grilled chicken, pepperoni, or bell peppers. You can also use different types of cheese or pasta shapes based on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Rotini, bow tie, or fusilli work best for holding the dressing and other ingredients.

2. How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it more filling, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some nuts.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.