Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
The ultimate side dish for any gathering. This vibrant pasta salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and olives, all tossed in a zesty homemade balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.
- 2
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- 3
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and mozzarella.
- 4
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- 5
Stir in the fresh parsley.
- 6
For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Tips, Variations and Storage
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but a homemade balsamic vinaigrette is much fresher and tastier!
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, it's actually better the next day, but you might want to add a splash more olive oil or dressing before serving.