Description
A bright, comforting Italian pasta salad featuring rotini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a side for any summer gathering or as a filling lunch box.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup dried basil leaves
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini according to package, drain, rinse with cold water.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and dried basil until emulsified.
- In a bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, and onion.
- Add the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss lightly until coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, restoring seasoning if needed.