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Easy Italian Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing, perfect for potlucks and picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz rotini pasta Cook according to package directions.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup salami, sliced or cubed (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella, salami (if using), and fresh parsley. Toss gently to distribute.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and Chill
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Salad tastes better after chilling as the flavors blend beautifully. Avoid overcooking the pasta.