Description
Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick family dinners, this nutritious salad is both filling and customizable to suit your taste. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare a delightful meal that not only pleases the palate but also offers a healthy boost. Enjoy it as a satisfying side or as a main dish topped with extra protein for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces uncooked short pasta (like rotini)
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 4 ounces turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas for vegetarian option)
- 4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls
- 3 tbsp reserved pasta water
- 1 2/3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2–1 tsp kosher salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package directions; reserve 3 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, green bell pepper, olives, turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas), and mozzarella balls.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg