Description
Italian Pasta Salad (Vegetarian) is a fresh and colorful dish loaded with pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, olives, and a flavorful Italian dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and quick make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta or bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
For the Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients: Add cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, basil, and Parmesan to a large bowl.
- Toss the salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, prepare this pasta salad a few hours ahead so the dressing can soak into the pasta and vegetables. Add extra dressing before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: italian pasta salad vegetarian, vegetarian pasta salad, italian salad recipe, summer pasta salad, easy cold pasta salad, picnic side dish