A vibrant salad with pasta, fresh veggies, mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz short pasta such as rotini, fusilli, or penne
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
→ Cheese
08 - 3/4 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
→ Herbs
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
→ Italian Dressing
11 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Fold in the fresh chopped parsley and basil, then toss gently to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
06 - Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
07 - Remove from refrigerator, taste the salad, and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to achieve desired flavor balance before serving.
