Description
This cold creamy pasta salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for summer gatherings. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or any warm-weather occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli)
- 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup creamy dressing (e.g., ranch or Italian)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. 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, and mozzarella cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or tuna for additional protein.
- This pasta salad can be customized with your favorite vegetables or dressings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: pasta salad, cold pasta salad, creamy pasta salad recipes, make-ahead summer dish, fresh pasta salad recipes, easy pasta salad, summer salad recipes