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Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

Classic Pasta Salad

A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad perfect for any occasion. This dish combines colorful veggies and a zesty vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta uncooked
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 16 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces olives sliced
Vinaigrette Dressing
  • 1 ½ cups olive oil
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large Bowl

Method
 

  1. In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is room temperature. Place pasta in a large bowl.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine.
  4. Pour vinaigrette over pasta salad, then toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
  5. If your pasta salad has been chilling for several hours/overnight and very cold, allow it to warm up slightly at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then give it a toss to redistribute the dressing just before serving.

Notes

This pasta salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal.