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Cold Rotini Salad with Italian Dressing

Cold rotini pasta salad with vegetables and cheese in a ceramic bowl.
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A vibrant and easy pasta salad where corkscrew rotini perfectly traps a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Packed with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for potlucks, weeknights, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine) or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a jar with a tight lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Shake vigorously until well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to let flavors develop.
  5. Just before serving, stir the salad. Add the remaining dressing, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Toss once more and serve cold.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and do not skip the chilling time. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add delicate greens like arugula just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/cold-rotini-salad-italian-dressing/