Description
Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to festive gatherings. This colorful salad features tri-color rotini pasta paired with fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, all brought together by a zesty homemade vinaigrette. With its ease of preparation and versatility, this dish satisfies large groups while allowing for personal customization. Whether served as a side or a standalone meal, Classic Pasta Salad is sure to impress guests with its delicious flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces olives, sliced
- 12 ounces turkey pepperoni slices
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups olive oil
- 0.5 cup red apple vinegar
- Italian seasoning to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, turkey pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well mixed.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (230g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg