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italian pasta salad

Easy Homemade Italian Pasta Salad

A bright and flavorful pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and zesty dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and quick family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Base
  • 3 cups rotini pasta uncooked
  • 1 tsp salt for boiling
  • Filling
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup mozzarella pearls
  • ½ cup bell peppers diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Dressing
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and peppers into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, and spices to make dressing.
  4. Combine pasta, vegetables, olives, cheese, and parsley in a large bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Add extra dressing if the salad dries out after chilling.
  • Swap mozzarella with feta for a tangier flavor.
  • Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.