Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that effortlessly elevates any meal. Bursting with colorful vegetables, rotini pasta, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch option. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to please a crowd while allowing for easy customization to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and black olives.
- In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg