Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
A classic Italian pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese tossed in zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 as a side, 4 as a main
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is boiled)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz rotini, penne, or other short pasta
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup black or kalamata olives, sliced
½–¾ cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette style)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cubed provolone cheese
Optional additions:
½ cup sliced salami or pepperoni
Pepperoncini or banana peppers, to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
While pasta cools, prepare tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and any optional ingredients.
In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with Italian dressing until evenly coated.
Add the vegetables, olives, and parsley; toss well.
Fold in cheese and optional salami or pepperoni.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use mini mozzarella balls or crumbled feta for different textures.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair.
Make it gluten-free with certified GF pasta.
Stir before serving and add more dressing if pasta has absorbed too much.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/zesty-italian-pasta-salad/
