Pasta Salad Recipe

A delicious and vibrant pasta salad perfect for any occasion.

Pasta salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together an array of flavors and textures. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish, pasta salad has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. The charm of pasta salad lies in its simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a Mediterranean twist with olives and feta or a classic Italian version with mozzarella and tomatoes, pasta salad can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: ~300 calories

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
4. Add dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Enjoy your delicious pasta salad, perfect for any summer gathering or as a refreshing side dish. For an added twist, consider incorporating roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. Pasta salad can be made a day in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.