Oh, pasta salad! Isn’t it just the epitome of summertime dining? Growing up, my mom would whip up the biggest bowl during family gatherings, and it was always the first dish to disappear. I still remember us all crowded around the table, fighting for the last scoop, and those delicious bites of cool, refreshing veggies intertwined with tender pasta. This recipe has become my go-to, whether I’m prepping for a picnic, hosting a BBQ, or just looking to enjoy a light meal. Plus, the colors are so vibrant that it feels like a party on my plate!
What I absolutely love about pasta salad is its versatility. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, or swap in different dressings. But this classic combo of ingredients has a special place in my heart (and on my plate!). Let’s dive into what makes this Pasta Salad so special!
What’s in Pasta Salad?
Rotini Pasta: The spirals of rotini are perfect for holding on to all the delicious dressing and bits of veggies. I usually go for whole wheat because, you know, balance!
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad. Plus, they make it look so pretty!
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber brings a nice crunch and a dose of hydration. It’s practically nature’s air conditioning!
Bell Peppers: I love mixing colors for that rainbow effect—red, yellow, or green all work perfectly. They add sweetness and a satisfying pop of flavor.
Black Olives: A classic choice, they bring a touch of brininess that really rounds out the dish.
Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy and milky, these little cheese orbs will melt in your mouth!
Red Onion: Finely chopped, red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients. Just use it sparingly if you’re not a big onion fan!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for garnish; it brightens up the salad and adds a hint of earthiness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a little umami kick and creaminess; who doesn’t love cheese?
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is key in any dressing. It ties everything together beautifully!
Red Wine Vinegar: This provides a tangy kick that balances all those rich flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes this dish feel like a trip to Italy.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to elevate the flavor!
Is Pasta Salad Good for You?
Now, you might be wondering if indulging in this delightful pasta salad is a healthy choice. I’m thrilled to say that it can be a nutritious option!
Pasta: While pasta is often frowned upon in diets, opting for whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta can offer added fiber and nutrients.
Veggies: The fresh produce in this salad packs tons of vitamins and minerals. Each bite is brimming with antioxidants!
Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, this is a heart-healthy ingredient, especially in moderation.
Just be cautious with the cheese and dressing if you’re watching your calorie intake. The beauty of this recipe is you can truly make it your own!
Ingredients Needed:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, making it perfect for sharing (or for some awesome leftovers!).
How to Make Pasta Salad?
1. Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside, but don’t start snacking on it just yet!
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.
3. Gently mix in the cooled pasta into this wonderful medley of colorful veggies.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined.
5. Drizzle this delightful dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together so it’s evenly coated.
6. Finally, sprinkle that glorious grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last gentle mix.
7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This waiting time lets all those yummy flavors meld together. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
Creative Twists and Serving Suggestions!
Now that you’ve got this fabulous Pasta Salad down, let me share a few of my favorite twists and serving suggestions!
– **Add Protein:** Want a heartier dish? Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost!
– **Switch the Cheese:** Use feta for a tangy twist or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.
– **Extra Veggies:** Feel free to sneak in other veggies like spinach, artichokes, or even sunflower seeds for crunch!
– **Dressing Variations:** Experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty lemon dressing.
I hope you give this Pasta Salad a try; whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will surely bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget to share how yours turned out—I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking! 🍽️
