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To make a tasty Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, you need these key ingredients: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for an alcohol-free option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients mix well to create a bright, fresh flavor. The rotini pasta holds the dressing and other toppings nicely. Feel free to boost the taste with these optional add-ins: - 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped - 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adding these extras can make your salad exciting and unique. Each option brings a new layer of flavor. To prepare this salad, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Mixing bowl for salad - Smaller bowl for dressing - Whisk for mixing dressing - Cutting board and knife for chopping Using the right tools helps make cooking easier and more fun. With these items, you’ll be ready to create a delicious Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the detailed instructions provided. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down and stops the cooking. While the pasta cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Dice 1/2 cup of cucumber. Slice 1/2 cup of black olives. Dice 1/2 cup of red bell pepper. Halve 1/2 cup of mozzarella balls. Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion and 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Add all these fresh ingredients to the mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. You can use lemon juice if you prefer. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. Now, pour this dressing over the pasta and veggie mix. Toss gently so everything gets coated. Check the taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make great pasta, start with good water. Use a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous amount of salt; it should taste like the sea. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the rotini pasta. Stir right away to avoid sticking. Check the pasta a minute before the package time. It should be al dente, meaning firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. To take your salad to the next level, think about flavor boosters. Fresh herbs like basil add bright notes. Mix in some fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese for a rich taste. Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. If it feels flat, add more olive oil or vinegar. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the flavors even more. Presentation matters! Serve your pasta salad in a large, colorful bowl. You can also use individual cups for a nice touch. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This adds a pop of color and looks inviting. For a fun twist, add a few slices of lemon on top. It makes the dish look fresh and bright. Enjoy it chilled for the best taste. This is a perfect dish for parties or picnics. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! {{image_2}} You can easily make this pasta salad vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian twist, simply remove the mozzarella balls. Instead, try adding avocado for creaminess. If you want a vegan option, skip the cheese and use a vegan dressing. You can blend olive oil with balsamic vinegar and a touch of maple syrup. This adds a nice sweet flavor. If you want a heartier dish, add protein. Grilled chicken works well and gives a nice flavor. You can also add chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based option. Simply mix them in with the other ingredients. This will make the salad more filling. To make this pasta salad gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for gluten-free rotini. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or quinoa. These still give you the great texture you want! Always check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad. To keep your Zesty Italian Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent spoilage and keeps the flavors intact. Place the container in the fridge. This salad stays good for about 3 to 5 days. For the best taste, keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps the pasta and veggies stay crisp. If you have leftover ingredients, store them in their own containers. For example, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers can lose their crunch if mixed too soon. Usually, you don’t need to reheat pasta salad. It tastes great cold. If you prefer warm pasta salad, gently heat it in a pan on low. Stir it often to avoid burning. If you want a fresh touch, add a bit more olive oil or vinegar after warming. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can keep Zesty Italian Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen over time, making it taste even better! Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead of serving. This allows the ingredients to blend well. Just remember to keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. The best dressing for this salad is a mix of olive oil and red wine vinegar. This combo brings a tangy flavor that pairs well with the fresh veggies. You can also use lemon juice if you prefer a lighter taste. For the full recipe, follow the detailed steps to make this delicious salad! You now have all the tools to make a great Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. We covered the key ingredients, steps to cook and mix, and tips for extra flavor. You can also try fun variations like vegan or gluten-free options. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh and tasty. I hope this helps you create a delicious dish for any gathering. Enjoy making your salad and sharing it with others!

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Freshen up your meals with this zesty Italian pasta salad, bursting with vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients! Whip up this quick and easy recipe with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella, all tossed in a delicious dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will be a hit. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for an alcohol-free option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil.

      In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

          Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

            Let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or portion into individual cups. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a vibrant touch.