Description
A bright and flavorful Zesty Italian Pasta Salad perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tri-color rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup cucumbers, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cubes or provolone
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Chop and prepare all vegetables and cheese.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Top with parsley and an extra splash of dressing, if desired.
Notes
- For more zing, add banana peppers or artichoke hearts.
- Use chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it a full meal.
- Best made ahead—flavors deepen after a few hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving