When it comes to summer picnics, a delightful dish that combines flavor, convenience, and freshness is a must-have. One such dish that embodies all these qualities is the Classic Italian Pasta Salad. Rich in colors, flavors, and textures, this dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings, beach outings, or simply enjoying a sunny day in your backyard. With a delightful mix of pasta, vegetables, and Italian dressing, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can elevate your picnics with this classic recipe!
| Difficulty | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4-6 |
Ingredients
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- 2 cups of rotini or penne pasta
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- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
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- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
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- 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
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- 1/2 cup of bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
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- 1 cup of black olives, sliced
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- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
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- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
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- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
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- 1/2 cup of Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Execution
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- Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Cook the Pasta:
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- Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and dice the bell peppers. Make sure to slice the olives and prepare the mozzarella cheese as well.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
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- Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with prepared vegetables. Add in the black olives, mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
- Mix Ingredients:
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- Dress the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad:
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- Chill and Serve:For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Additional Tips
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- Variations: Feel free to customize your pasta salad with additional ingredients such as grilled chicken, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
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- Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for busy schedules. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator until you’re set to pack for your picnic.
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- Presentation: Use a clear container to display the vibrant colors of the salad, and garnish with extra basil or Parmesan cheese on top for added visual appeal.
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- Final Touches: Consider drizzling a little more Italian dressing before serving to enhance freshness.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll have a Classic Italian Pasta Salad that not only looks great but also tastes incredible. Perfect for picnics, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, bringing a taste of Italy to your outdoor gatherings. So gather your friends and family, pack up this delightful dish, and elevate your next picnic!
