Description
Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly balances fresh vegetables, protein, and pasta in a light dressing. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, offering versatility for any occasion. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s great as a main course or side dish and can be made ahead for even better flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces uncooked short pasta (like rotini)
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 4 ounces turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas for vegetarian option)
- 4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls
- Dressing: reserved pasta water
- extra virgin olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- dijon mustard
- Italian seasoning
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 3 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, mix together the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and pour the dressing over them. Mix until everything is well-coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg