Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with this Italian Pasta Salad, a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics or gatherings, this salad is visually appealing and packed with nutrition. Each bite transports you to a sunlit piazza filled with laughter and joy. Easy to prepare, customize it to fit your taste preferences for an unforgettable dish that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, chop bell peppers, and thinly slice red onion.
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta and all chopped vegetables. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss again before serving; garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg