Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a colorful side. Combining tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella with zesty Italian dressing, it’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne), cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and cubed mozzarella.
- Step 2: Pour the Italian dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier taste.
- Use a homemade Italian dressing for a fresher, customizable flavor.
- Add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch and color.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and add a splash of extra dressing or olive oil if it seems dry. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the day before to let the flavors develop. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the dressing well and provide good texture.
PrintVegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and colorful Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, savory olives, creamy mozzarella, and tangy Italian dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the vegetables and cheese: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and halve the mozzarella balls as needed.
- Toss all ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best texture that holds the dressing well.
- For a healthier option, choose a low-fat or homemade Italian dressing.
- Add fresh basil or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled for best taste and freshness.
Keywords: Vegetarian pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, easy pasta salad, chilled pasta salad
