Italian Vegetarian Pasta Salad (Printable version)
Vibrant Mediterranean pasta with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
06 - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
→ Cheese
08 - 3.5 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
→ Herbs & Greens
09 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
17 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
03 - Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, basil, and parsley in a large salad bowl.
04 - Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything gets tossed in one bowl, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum time with your people instead of at the sink
- The flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge, making it that rare dish you can make ahead without compromise
02 -
- Rinse that pasta thoroughly under cold water until its genuinely cool throughout, or it will continue cooking and turn into mush
- Add the fresh herbs right before serving, not during the initial toss, or they will look dark and sad within an hour
03 -
- Chop all your vegetables slightly larger than you think you should, because they shrink in the fridge and tiny pieces can get lost in the pasta
- Use a really large bowl to toss everything, because trying to mix this properly in a too-small container will result in ingredients all over your counter