Description
A colorful and tasty layered pasta salad that is perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Layer the salad in a large serving dish or bowl, starting with half of the pasta mixture, then adding half of the remaining ingredients, and repeating the layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding diced grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Customize the vegetables based on your preference; try adding spinach, artichoke hearts, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Layering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg