Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

A vibrant mix of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and Italian dressing, topped with herbs and cheese for a refreshing, easy-to-make dish perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1½ cups mini fresh mozzarella cheese balls, 8 ounces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
• ½ English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¾ cup sliced pepperoncini
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 recipe Italian Dressing
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Fill a large pot with water and let it come to a hearty boil. You'll want to generously salt the water, as this is your chance to season the pasta. Once boiling, add the fusilli or rotini, cooking it just a tad beyond al dente, as this will ensure tenderness in the salad. Keep an eye on the clock and give it a taste test for doneness.

2. Step 2: Cool and Drizzle the Pasta
   Drain the pasta into a colander and give it a gentle shake to release excess water. Transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over it to keep the strands from sticking together. Let the pasta cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

3. Step 3: Combine with Fresh Ingredients
   Once the pasta is cool, it’s time to add your colorful medley. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, delightful mini mozzarella balls, and the crisp, diced red bell pepper. Next, add the cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives. Fold in the sliced pepperoncini for that tangy kick and sprinkle the bright green parsley over the mix. Give it a good toss to ensure even distribution.

4. Step 4: Dress the Salad
   Pour in the Italian dressing, ensuring every ingredient gets a good coating. Sprinkle the sea salt over the salad and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Toss everything again, making sure the flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Step 5: Add Basil and Serve
   Now, gently stir in the fresh basil leaves, letting their aromatic scent envelop the salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For that finishing touch, garnish with a few more basil leaves. Serve and enjoy this vibrant dish with family and friends, relishing each flavorful bite.

Notes

It’s easy to get swept up in the beauty of an Italian pasta salad, but even the best of us can hit a snag or two. One common misstep is overcooking the pasta. You want it to hold its shape and absorb flavors, not turn into mush. Cook until just past al dente, and rinse with cold water to halt further cooking.

Another pitfall is dressing the salad while the pasta is hot. This can lead to a gummy texture. Always let the pasta cool to room temperature first, so it stays light and fresh.

Lastly, don't skimp on the fresh herbs! They’re the secret to making flavors pop. Toss them in just before serving to keep them vibrant and aromatic.