Zesty Italian Pasta Salad π₯
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a delightful medley of spiral-shaped pasta, cherry tomatoes, celery, carrots, green bell peppers, and green onions marinated in tangy Italian dressing. What makes it doubly delicious is the addition of a creamy blend of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, topped off with mozzarella and black olives. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 pound spiral-shaped pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- Italian salad dressing (enough to coat)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook Pasta: Cook the spiral-shaped pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, rinse the pasta with cold water and drain it thoroughly. |
| 2 | Mix with Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, celery, shredded carrot, diced green bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix well to evenly distribute the vegetables. |
| 3 | Marinate: Pour Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. For even better results, marinate overnight. |
| 4 | Drain Excess: Once marinated, drain any excess liquid from the pasta salad. This helps to keep the salad creamy and prevents it from becoming too watery. |
| 5 | Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This creamy dressing adds a rich and tangy flavor to the salad. |
| 6 | Add Cheese and Olives: Next, add shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced black olives to the mayonnaise mixture. Stir everything together until the cheese and olives are evenly coated with the dressing. |
| 7 | Combine and Serve: Gently fold the creamy dressing with the marinated pasta and vegetables. Be careful not to break the pasta while mixing. The salad should be coated evenly with the creamy dressing, creating a luscious texture. |
| 8 | Chill and Enjoy: Allow the Zesty Italian Pasta Salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully. Serve chilled and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. |
| 9 | Store Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pasta salad tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld together over time. |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 293.3
- Total Fat: 21.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 12.2mg
- Sodium: 860.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugars: 7.4g
- Protein: 6.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad to your liking! Add more veggies such as diced cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a lighter version, you can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.
- This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. The flavors actually develop even more when allowed to sit overnight.
- Serve this pasta salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and creamy texture. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean goodness in every bite! πΏπ
