This vibrant pasta salad is a perfect dish for gatherings, picnics, or as a side for your meals. It’s refreshing, packed with colorful vegetables, and drizzled with a tangy dressing that brings all the flavors together. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy your whipped-up pasta salad!
Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste!