Italian Vegetable Pasta Salad π₯
Description: This delightful Italian Vegetable Pasta Salad is a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and creamy mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing meal any day of the week!
Rating: βββββ (5/5)
Review Count: 3 reviews
Calories: 361.7 per serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup sliced ripe olives
- 1/2 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In a very large salad bowl, combine all vegetables and pasta. | 5 mins |
| 2 | Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. | 3 mins |
| 3 | Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. | 8 hours* |
| 4 | Before serving, stir in cheese cubes. | 2 mins |
Step 1: In a very large salad bowl, combine all vegetables and pasta. The vibrant colors of broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, green onions, carrots, and sliced olives create a stunning visual appeal, while the mix of textures adds depth to every bite.
Step 2: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is coated with the zesty flavors of the dressing. The combination of tangy dressing and fresh vegetables creates a burst of flavor in every mouthful.
Step 3: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. Allowing the salad to chill allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience. This step also ensures that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the dressing, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Step 4: Before serving, stir in the mozzarella cheese cubes. The creamy, mild flavor of the cheese adds a luxurious touch to the salad, complementing the crispness of the vegetables and the chewiness of the pasta. This final step elevates the salad from simple to simply irresistible!
Note: While the total time for this recipe is 20 minutes, it’s recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor. Adjust the refrigeration time according to your preference and schedule.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 361.7
- Fat Content: 20.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 11.1mg
- Sodium Content: 1128.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36.5g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 8.3g
- Protein Content: 10.1g
Keywords:
Vegetable, Potluck, < 30 Mins, No Cook, Refrigerator, Easy
This Italian Vegetable Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful meal, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and effortless preparation. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite grilled protein for a complete and satisfying meal experience! π
