Refreshing Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and broccoli florets.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and black olives to the bowl with the pasta.

Make the Italian Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
2. Add the cubed mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill the Salad:

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Before serving, give the salad a good toss and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Italian pasta salad chilled as a side dish or a light main course.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad:

• Pasta Choice: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli, for added texture and visual appeal.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality vegetables for the best flavor.
• Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better when made a few hours ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Enjoying Your Italian Pasta Salad:

Italian pasta salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Its versatility allows you to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what’s in season.