Easy Pasta Salad for Potluck
A simple and delicious pasta salad perfect for any potluck or gathering, featuring fresh ingredients and a tangy Italian dressing.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Colander for draining pasta
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon for mixing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls halved
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Slice the olives, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil.
Mix and Chill
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, bell pepper, onion, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Storing
- Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Refresh with a splash of olive oil before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips: Make the pasta salad a day in advance to enhance flavors. Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. How to Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day ahead for best flavor integration.