Ingredients
1 lb Rotini or Fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
8 oz mozzarella pearls
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until slightly past al dente, usually about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water until the noodles are completely cool to the touch.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and mozzarella pearls.
Step 4: In a separate small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For the best flavor, make this salad 4-6 hours in advance. If the pasta seems dry after chilling, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a splash of vinegar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
