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The Best Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

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Easy Italian Pasta Salad Together as Family
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Together as Family from togetherasfamily.com

Description

Italian pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a classic dish that combines pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. In this recipe, we will show you how to make the best easy Italian pasta salad that you can serve as a side dish or a main course.

Prep Time

The prep time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes.

Cook Time

The cook time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • A large pot for boiling pasta
  • A colander for draining pasta
  • A large bowl for mixing the ingredients
  • A sharp knife for chopping vegetables
  • A cutting board for chopping vegetables

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for the recommended time on the package, stirring occasionally.
  3. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, basil, and parsley.
  5. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing.
  9. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
  10. Enjoy!

Notes

This Italian pasta salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering. You can also customize the ingredients to your liking, adding or subtracting vegetables as you see fit.

Nutrition Info

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings. Each serving contains:
  • Calories: 397
  • Protein: 13g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 547mg

Recipes FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
  2. Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

  3. Can I use bottled Italian dressing?
  4. Yes, you can use bottled Italian dressing if you prefer. Just make sure to choose a good quality brand and adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.

  5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  6. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  7. Can I add meat to this salad?
  8. Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or salami to this salad if you like.

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
  • You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Customize the ingredients to your liking.

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