![Here is everything you need to make Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. This dish is fresh and colorful. Gather these ingredients to get started: - 2 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients add great flavor and color to your salad. Each one plays an important role. The pasta gives a nice base. The veggies add crunch and freshness. The dressing ties everything together. You can find the full recipe for more detailed steps. Happy cooking! - Start by boiling a large pot of water. - Add 2 cups of rotini or fusilli pasta. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente. - Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. - Take a large bowl and add the cooled pasta. - Next, mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Add 1 cup of diced cucumber and 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper. - Toss in 1/2 cup of sliced black olives and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. - Finally, add 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil. - Add 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Mix until the dressing is well blended. - Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. - Toss everything together until it is evenly coated. - Gently fold in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil for flavor. - Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. - This will let the flavors meld together nicely. - Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. - Adjust seasoning if needed. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To achieve the perfect al dente pasta, boil water in a large pot. Add salt once the water is boiling. This helps add flavor. Then, add your uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this is around 8 to 10 minutes. Check the pasta at the lower end of the time. It should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from getting mushy. Adding spices and fresh herbs can make your pasta salad even better. For a zesty kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright touch. You can also use dried herbs like oregano or thyme. They blend well with the other flavors. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper, too. This simple step can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Zesty Italian pasta salad pairs well with many dishes. For a light meal, serve it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add a side of garlic bread for a filling option. If you want a vegetarian choice, consider serving it with a fresh green salad. This adds crunch and freshness. You can also enjoy it as a stand-alone dish. Just remember, the more colorful your salad, the more appealing it looks on the table. Try to serve it cold for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the pasta in this recipe. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rotini or fusilli. You can also try whole wheat pasta for added fiber. If you want to skip pasta altogether, use spiralized zucchini or carrots for a fresh twist. For veggies, feel free to add or replace with your favorites, like bell peppers or artichokes. To make this salad heartier, add protein. Grilled chicken makes a tasty choice. Simply chop cooked chicken and mix it in. Shrimp is another great option. Cook it quickly in a pan and toss it in. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas. Rinse a can of chickpeas and fold them in for extra protein and texture. You can switch up the dressing for different flavors. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet touch. For a creamier option, try a ranch or Caesar dressing. You could also mix lemon juice with olive oil for a bright flavor. Each dressing brings a new twist to the salad, making it fun to try different combinations. For the full recipe, refer to [Full Recipe]. To keep your zesty Italian pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors vibrant. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Avoid adding extra dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Your pasta salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture. If it looks or smells funny, it’s better to toss it out. Before serving the pasta salad again, give it a good toss. This helps mix the flavors that may have settled. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar. This will brighten the taste and make it fresh again. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above. Enjoy your pasta salad! To make this pasta salad vegan, simply replace the cheese with dairy-free options. You can use vegan mozzarella or skip cheese entirely. Also, check your dressing. Use a vegan olive oil dressing or a lemon vinaigrette instead of the red wine vinegar dressing. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Make it a day before your event. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will mix well overnight. This adds more taste, making the dish even better. You can use many vegetables in this salad. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for more color and crunch. Zucchini, radishes, or artichokes are great too. These add different textures and flavors, making your salad unique. To keep your pasta from getting soggy, rinse it under cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. Also, use olive oil. Drizzle a little on the pasta before adding the other ingredients. This keeps it from sticking together. You can serve this pasta salad with grilled meats or fish. It pairs well with burgers or hot dogs too. For a vegetarian option, try it with grilled veggies or stuffed peppers. It’s also great with a slice of crusty bread on the side. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. This pasta salad combines fresh ingredients with easy steps. You can cook the pasta, mix in veggies, and whisk a simple dressing. I shared tips for flavor and storage. You can swap ingredients or add proteins for variety. This versatile dish is perfect for any meal. Enjoy your delicious, homemade salad today!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4e8ecdbc-a315-43c2-9abc-bf479cd94610-250x250.webp)
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Italian Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any gathering! This refreshing dish combines colorful veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy dressing that’s easy to whip up. In just 15 minutes of prep, enjoy a delicious salad that serves 4-6. Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this delightful blend of taste and texture. Dive into this easy pasta salad and elevate your meal today!