Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and easy dish perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Combining tender pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a refreshing meal that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh basil or chopped red onion.
• Use a homemade Italian dressing for a fresher taste or adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick toss and if needed, add a little more dressing to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any small-shaped pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or rotini works well to hold the dressing and ingredients.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and is great for quick lunches or potlucks. Just keep the dressing separate if you want to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 80 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad combining al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or side dish.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups dry pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

Vegetables and Cheese

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted olives, sliced
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or chopped mozzarella

Dressing

• 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
2. Toss Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Chill and Serve: Optionally, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
• Add fresh basil or parsley for extra herbal aroma.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate gluten sensitivity.
• For more protein, add cooked chickpeas or cannellini beans.
• Adjust the quantity of dressing based on your taste preference.

Keywords: vegetarian pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, cherry tomato pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, easy pasta salad