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Classic Pasta Salad

Classic Pasta Salad: A Colorful Twist for Your Next Gathering

Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings, featuring tri-color rotini and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta can substitute with bite-sized pasta like macaroni or shells
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 oz sliced pepperoni can substitute with salami or omit for vegetarian
  • 1 small red onion can replace with green onions for milder flavor
  • 1 cup green bell pepper can use other bell pepper colors
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese cubed or mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese omit for lactose-free option
  • 1/4 cup sliced olives can substitute with capers or omit
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar for a sweeter touch, add honey
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder can use fresh minced garlic
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes omit for milder taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the tri-color rotini pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced pepperoni, diced red onion, and chopped green bell pepper.
  3. Fold in cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, along with sliced olives, mixing thoroughly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 410mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This pasta salad is perfect for make-ahead preparation and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

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