Description
Classic pasta salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings together tri-color rotini, fresh vegetables, savory cheeses, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, parties, or family gatherings, this recipe serves a crowd while offering a delightful combination of tastes and textures. With its easy preparation and versatility, you can customize it to your liking by adding favorite vegetables or proteins. Make it ahead of time for the best flavor infusion, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts looking for a delicious side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 8 ounces olives (sliced)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg