Ingredients
– 1 pound pasta (bowtie, rotini, or your favorite shape)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 cup black olives, sliced
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
– ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating The Best Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to prepare your dish:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
5. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
These straightforward steps will help you create a colorful and delicious pasta salad that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g