Go Back

Pasta Salad

A cool, creamy pasta salad with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette that tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 3/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling water
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Add 1 pound rotini or penne pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
  4. While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes; set aside.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 cloves minced garlic.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar to the dressing and whisk until emulsified.
  7. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and add the diced vegetables, 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup halved pepperoni slices if using, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup torn fresh basil.
  8. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir and add extra dressing if needed before serving.