Sunny Italian Pasta Salad 🍝☀️

This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. Loaded with colorful vegetables, olives, and a zesty dressing, it's a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste. Feel free to throw in any of your favorite ingredients to make it your own!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups of rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup of bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup of mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved or whole
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

🥄 Make sure to rinse the pasta well to avoid it sticking together once it cools. A splash of olive oil during the rinsing can also help!

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

• Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

🥗 Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add diced salami, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for additional protein. 🥩
• Vegan: Substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or additional veggies and leave out the cheese. 🌱
• Spicy kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for some heat! 🌶️
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free (check labels on dressings and olives, if necessary). 😄

With so many options available, this Italian Pasta Salad can be tailored to suit any gathering or personal preference. Enjoy the burst of Italian sunshine in every bite! 🍅🧀