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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 323
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pasta fusilli or penne
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber chopped
  • ½ red onion finely sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup bell peppers mixed colors, chopped
  • ½ cup mozzarella cubes or pearls
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
For Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar red wine or apple cider
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
  3. In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, bell peppers, and mozzarella.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss well to combine.
  6. Add fresh basil and mix gently.
  7. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use good quality olive oil for better flavor
  • Chill before serving to enhance taste
  • Add extra veggies for more crunch
  • Adjust spice level as per preference