Quick Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal on its own. This quick and easy recipe takes minimal time to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and fresh basil.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and Italian dressing to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve chilled.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as bowtie, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Q: How long can I store the pasta salad in the refrigerator?
A: The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I add additional vegetables or protein to this salad?
A: Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Conclusion
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and easy preparation, this Quick Italian Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany a barbecue or a light meal for a hot summer day, this salad is versatile and delicious. So gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this tasty pasta salad today!
PrintQuick Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal on its own. This quick and easy recipe takes minimal time to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and fresh basil.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and Italian dressing to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve chilled.
