Description
This Crave-Worthy Italian Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors and colors, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a refreshing side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 16 oz box rotini pasta
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup sliced black olives
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese
½ cup diced pepperoni optional
¾ cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese, and diced pepperoni if using.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables or proteins. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, Cold Pasta Salad, Colorful Italian Salad