Description
Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tri-color rotini with a medley of fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering, this pasta salad is not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on your personal preferences. With its colorful ingredients and zesty flavors, it’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as part of a main course, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time for convenience. Delight your guests with this refreshing addition to your meal lineup!
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 12 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni (can substitute with more vegetables for vegetarian option)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces olives (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the tri-color rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced turkey pepperoni, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, cubed mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and sliced olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg