Description
This vibrant salad is a summer staple, bursting with flavor from juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olives, cheese, and a zesty, herbed dressing. Quick to prep and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Salad:
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3 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
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1/2 cup mozzarella cubes or shredded cheese (check for no animal rennet)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Zesty Dressing:
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup white vinegar (ensure alcohol-free)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (no wine vinegar)
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
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Chop Veggies: Dice and slice all vegetables while pasta cools.
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Make Dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until fully blended.
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Mix Salad: Combine pasta, vegetables, mozzarella, and parsley in a large bowl.
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Dress & Toss: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Great make-ahead dish for meal prep or gatherings.
Best served cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg