This Pasta Salad with mozzarella cheese is full of fresh, colorful and flavorful ingredients all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. It takes just a few minutes to make, is always a hit and tastes even better when made the night before.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 12people
Calories: 330kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
Ingredients
16ozSpiral Pasta cooked al dente
2cupsCherry Tomatoescut in half
1cupMozzerella Cheesecubed, pearls or shredded
1cupBlack Olivessliced
2mediumCucumbersdiced
½medium Red Oniondiced
1cupSalamisliced and quartered
2TablepoonsParsleychopped
Homemade Italian Dressing
½cupExtra Virgin Olive Oil
3TablespoonsWhite Wine Vinegaror lemon juice
1Tablespoon Mayonnaise
¼cupParmesan Cheesefinely grated
1teaspoonSugar
1cloveGarlicminced
½ teaspoonDried Oregano
½teaspoonDried Parsley
½teaspoonDried Basil
¾teaspoonSea Saltor to taste
½teaspoonBlack Pepperor to taste
⅛teaspoonRed Pepper Flakes
Instructions
Prepare the pasta according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Run cold water over the cooked pasta to cool, then drain and transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella cheese, salami, cucumbers, black olives, and red onion to the bowl with the cooked pasta and toss.
To make the Italian dressing, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and mix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
*Dress the salad generously because the pasta will soak up the dressing.