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Classic Pasta Salad

Classic Pasta Salad with Zesty Homemade Vinaigrette Magic

Enjoy a vibrant Classic Pasta Salad bursting with flavor and customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 283

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1 cup green bell pepper
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it thoroughly with cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Slice the pepperoni into thin rounds, adding a delicious zesty element. Gather all the vegetables and meats in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables and sliced pepperoni. Gently fold in the mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the vinaigrette is smooth and well combined.
  5. Pour the homemade vinaigrette over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Before serving, give the Classic Pasta Salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve this delightful salad cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.

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