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–+ servings

Best Italian Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines cooked rotini pasta with fresh ingredients like turkey slices, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella pearls, tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz rotini pasta Choose whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier option.
  • 10 oz turkey slices Chop into ¼ inch pieces for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup English cucumber Quarter and slice for a refreshing crunch.
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes Halved to add sweetness and color.
  • 1.5 cups bell peppers Dice in two different colors for visual appeal.
  • 0.5 cup red onion Chopped finely to enhance flavor depth.
  • 8 oz black olives Drained and sliced to add briny goodness.
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls A delightful creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese Shredded for an extra layer of flavor.
  • 0.5 cup parsley Chopped to add freshness and a pop of green.
  • 1.25 cups olive oil The base of your dressing, providing richness and healthy fats.
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed for a zesty kick.
  • 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that infuses authentic Italian flavors.
  • 2 tsp sugar Balances acidity in the dressing perfectly.
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar Adds tanginess that brightens the entire salad.
  • 2 tsp garlic Minced to give depth and aroma to your dish.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard For creaminess and mild heat in the dressing.
  • 0.5 tsp salt To enhance all the flavors beautifully.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground adds a touch of warmth.

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander, then rinse under cold water until completely cool to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined before setting aside so the flavors can meld.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta along with turkey slices, cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with delicious dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving cold to allow flavors to develop fully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

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