Description
Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Italian Deli Pasta Salad transforms any meal into a festive gathering. With al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty olives all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, this dish is perfect for picnics or family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a satisfying main course or a refreshing side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion; slice the olives.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetables and olives.
- Add the cooked pasta and pour the Italian dressing over everything; gently mix until combined.
- Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves; mix again.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg