Summer Italian Pasta Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Italian pasta salad featuring colorful vegetables, tangy dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta — ideal for summer gatherings and easy meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and olive oil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas. Serve chilled with crusty bread for a complete summer meal.
Find it online: https://auntyspices.com/summer-italian-pasta-salad/