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+ servings
Summer Pasta Salad

Fresh and Easy Summer Pasta Salad to Brighten Your BBQ

Enjoy a refreshing Summer Pasta Salad that is quick to make and perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta cooked and cooled
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced, seedless preferred
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper diced
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion thinly sliced
For Creamy Goodness
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls or cubed mozzarella
For Flavor Boosters
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning or dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Summer Pasta Salad
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a mixing bowl, adding chopped parsley last.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. In the mixing bowl, combine cool pasta with the chopped vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and sliced black olives.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste. Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

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