Cold Pasta Salad Italian Dressing
When the sun is shining brightly and outdoor gatherings are on the horizon, a refreshing pasta salad is the perfect dish to serve to friends and family. One of our favorite variations is the Cold Pasta Salad Italian Dressing. This dish combines the flavors of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing that delights taste buds with every bite. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to become a staple at your summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
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While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, slice the black olives, and chop the fresh basil leaves.
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Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
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Scatter the halved mozzarella cheese balls over the pasta salad.
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Drizzle your favorite Italian dressing over the salad. Start with a few tablespoons and add more as needed to coat the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving- Calories
- 320 kcal
- Total Fat
- 12 g
- Saturated Fat
- 5 g
- Cholesterol
- 20 mg
- Sodium
- 450 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 40 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 4 g
- Sugars
- 4 g
- Protein
- 12 g
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying textures, the Cold Pasta Salad Italian Dressing is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner option. Enjoy the taste of Italy in every forkful with this delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad recipe!