Pasta Salad, a nutritious blend of assorted vegetables and al dente pasta in a tasty Italian dressing, is an excellent cold dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Enhance it by adding your favorite protein, like chicken, salmon, or roasted veggies.
Take a bowl and mix all the dressing ingredients listed earlier. Whisk them together until fully combined. Set aside this homemade Italian dressing for use in the salad.
To Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, enough to cook the pasta. Season with salt to taste and add a drizzle of oil. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender. After cooking, remove the pasta from the water and set it aside for later use.
To Make Pasta Salad
Start by washing and drying all vegetables. Slice the grape tomatoes in half and set them aside.
Trim the ends of the English cucumber, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and place in a large bowl. Do the same with the zucchini, adding it to the bowl.
Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, removing the cores, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl.
Slice the red onion into medium-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
Into the bowl, add the halved grape tomatoes, halved black olives, golden pepperoncini, the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves.
Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the vegetables and pasta. Gently mix everything together. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
To Serve
Enjoy this Pasta Salad as a standalone dish or pair it with roasted chicken, baked chicken breast or thighs, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, or other dishes of your choice for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Notes
Here are some tips to make your Pasta Salad a success:
Preparation and Ingredients:
Balance the Dressing Flavors: Adjust the acidity, sweetness, and saltiness in your dressing to suit your taste. Remember to taste and tweak the seasoning as needed.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture when mixed with other ingredients.
Rinse the Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents stickiness and clumping.
Choose Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors and textures. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and bright bell peppers for a fresh taste.
Final Touches and Serving:
Let it Chill: Let the dressed pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This melds the flavors together and enhances the overall taste.
Gradually Add Dressing: Begin with a small amount of dressing and increase as necessary. This avoids overdressing and ensures even coating.
Customize Your Salad: Don't hesitate to add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Garnish Before Serving: Enhance the visual appeal of your pasta salad with a garnish of fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving.
Make-Ahead: Pasta Salad is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Simply make it in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving. Allowing it to chill for several hours or overnight helps the flavors to blend and intensify, making it even more delicious when served.