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Close-up of Italian pasta salad with rotini, tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, and dressing on a light gray plate.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light summer meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta or any short pasta of choice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Italian Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red grape juice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for spice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey balances acidity

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water. Cool completely.
  2. Chop vegetables, slice olives, and chop basil.
  3. Whisk or shake dressing ingredients until emulsified.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella. Toss with dressing.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Toss before serving and garnish with basil.

Notes

For a vegan option, use dairy-free mozzarella cheese.