Description
Classic pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tri-color rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory cheeses, all enveloped in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors ensures that it will be a hit with everyone at your table. With its versatility, you can customize this recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Whether served as a main dish or a side, classic pasta salad is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 red onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces olives
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the tri-color rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, diced onion and bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and olives. Toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg