Print

Bright Italian Pasta Salad

Colorful Italian pasta salad with fresh vegetables and mozzarella in a bowl.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This vibrant pasta salad is designed to be made ahead, as its flavors meld and intensify overnight in the refrigerator. It features crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and pasta that soaks up all the goodness, making it a perfect staple for picnics, potlucks, or easy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like rotini, farfalle, or penne)
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or a block, cubed)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, and sliced olives.
  4. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Gently fold in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight.
  6. Just before serving, stir the salad. Fold in the fresh basil and add the remaining reserved dressing if the salad looks dry. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

The chill time is crucial for flavor development. Do not add fresh basil until just before serving to prevent wilting. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. The salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/bright-italian-pasta-salad/