Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 20 votes

A delicious and easy to make pasta salad filled with tomatoes, black olives, cheese and a homemade dressing.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings cups

Calories 322kcal

Make the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings in a jar. Add lid and shake vigorously. Set aside.
½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1½ teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dijon mustard, 1½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta
Add chopped peppers, tomatoes, olives and cheese
1 red bell pepper, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, 1 cup black olives
Shake the dressing again and pour over the salad. Toss lightly with a large silicone spatula or a large wooden spoon.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over pasta and stir again.
½ lemon
Serve right away or cover and refrigerate.

- Cook pasta al dente, especially if serving later. The pasta will absorb the dressing and continue to soften.

Store-bought Italian dressing can also be used in place of homemade dressing. Use about ¾ cup of store-bought. Add more if needed.