Italian Vegetarian Pasta Salad (Printable)
Fresh Mediterranean-style pasta with vegetables and mozzarella in tangy dressing
# What You Need:
→ 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
# Steps:
01 - Boil pasta in salted water until al dente per package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
03 - Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, basil, and parsley in a large bowl.
04 - Pour dressing over salad mixture 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 if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The pasta actually gets better as it sits, absorbing all that zesty Italian dressing
- It travels beautifully and never gets soggy like other pasta salads
- You can prep everything ahead and toss it together in minutes
02 -
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water is not optional, it keeps the texture perfect
- Wait to add the fresh basil until right before serving so it does not turn brown
- The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to really develop
03 -
- Chop all your vegetables while the pasta water comes to a boil for maximum efficiency
- Taste the dressing before you pour it on and adjust the acidity or salt to your liking