Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a side dish for family dinners. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient and tasty option for any event. This recipe provides a balanced mix of vegetables, cheese, and a tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Perfect Pasta Salad:
For the pasta salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Perfect Pasta Salad:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
- Slice the black olives.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Assemble the salad:
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad.
- Toss again lightly to distribute the cheese and parsley throughout the salad.
- Chill and serve:
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Pasta: The choice of pasta shape can significantly impact the texture and overall experience of the salad. Rotini, with its spiral shape, holds onto the dressing and ingredients well, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. Other good options include fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad. They also provide a vibrant color contrast to the other ingredients. Halving them allows their juices to mix into the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
- Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumbers add a refreshing element to the salad. They are also a great source of hydration and pair well with the tangy dressing.
- Bell Peppers: Both red and yellow bell peppers contribute a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, as well as a colorful presentation. They add a nice crunch and are rich in vitamins A and C.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a bit of sharpness and spice, balancing out the sweetness of the tomatoes and bell peppers. It also adds a bit of color contrast.
- Black Olives: Olives bring a salty and slightly briny flavor to the salad, adding depth and complexity. They also contribute to the Mediterranean feel of the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Cubed mozzarella cheese provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It’s also a great source of protein and calcium.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. It melts slightly into the dressing, adding to the creaminess.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note to the salad, enhancing its freshness. It also adds a pop of green color.
- Dressing: The dressing is the key to tying all the ingredients together. Extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich and smooth base, while red wine vinegar adds tanginess. Dijon mustard gives a bit of spice and helps emulsify the dressing. Minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil add layers of flavor that complement the vegetables and cheese.
This Perfect Pasta Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste. You can add other ingredients like grilled chicken, pepperoni, or artichoke hearts for a different twist. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory cheese, and tangy dressing makes it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy this salad as a side dish, a light lunch, or a potluck favorite – it’s sure to be a hit!
