Easy Italian Pasta Salad- Your New Favorite Meal

Craving something refreshing, satisfying, and bursting with classic Italian flavors? Look no further than this Easy Italian Pasta Salad! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal, this vibrant dish is so delicious it’s guaranteed to become your new favorite. Get ready to impress everyone with minimal effort!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved
• 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved, or 1 cup cubed provolone
• 4 oz pepperoni or salami, quartered or diced (optional)
• 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian dressing (or homemade)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish/flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool completely. Set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and green bell pepper, thinly slice or finely dice the red onion, and halve the pitted black olives. Halve the mini mozzarella balls and quarter or dice the pepperoni/salami if using.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella balls, and pepperoni/salami (if using).
4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add chopped fresh parsley and toss again.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy your new favorite meal!