Make Ahead Italian Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Italian pasta salad that’s perfect for preparing in advance. This dish combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, making it an ideal side or light meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined to make the dressing.
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the pasta.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, toss the salad once more and adjust seasoning if needed.