Description
Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that harmonizes fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses with colorful tri-color rotini, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to family barbecues—this easy-to-make salad not only satisfies various tastes but also offers a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests. With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a generous serving that encourages customization based on your pantry staples or preferences. Allow the flavors to meld overnight for an even tastier dish that’s ready to serve when you are.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 12 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni
- 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 in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, turkey pepperoni, diced onion and bell pepper, cubed mozzarella, grated parmesan, and sliced olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cold Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg