Italian Vegetarian Pasta Salad (Printable)
Refreshing Mediterranean-style pasta salad with vegetables and mozzarella in zesty dressing. Ideal for gatherings and light meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
06 - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (optional)
→ Cheese
08 - 3.5 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
→ Herbs & Greens
09 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
17 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
03 - Transfer cooled pasta to a large salad bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, artichoke hearts (if using), mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and parsley.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
05 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or making ahead
- The combination of crisp vegetables and tender pasta creates this satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for seconds
02 -
- Adding fresh herbs right before serving keeps them bright and prevents them from turning dark
- The salad needs that chilling time or the flavors taste separate and unfinished
03 -
- Pat your vegetables dry after chopping to prevent watering down the dressing
- Taste the dressed salad after chilling, as pasta absorbs seasoning and might need another pinch of salt