Description
This refreshing cold pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. It’s quick to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and parsley.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- For a creamier dressing, substitute Italian dressing with ranch or a yogurt-based dressing.
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy cold pasta salad recipes, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad, quick pasta salad, picnic side dish