Classic Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 330kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spiral pasta cooked al dente
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed, pearls, or shredded
- 1 cup salami sliced and quartered
- 2 medium cucumbers diced
- 1 cup black olives sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion diced
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Homemade Italian Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red 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, red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the cooked pasta and toss.
- In a separate bowl, 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.
Storing instructions: store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Make-ahead tips: this can be made ahead from 2-24 hours before serving. The Italian salad dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance.
Nutrition
Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 1mg