Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just one bite - vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor! This Rotini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella and Tomatoes is not just another side dish; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the Rotini Pasta Salad. This includes 8 oz of rotini pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Let it drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.
- Add the chopped fresh basil to the bowl, then drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad.
- Toss all the ingredients gently until everything is well coated with the dressing and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Rotini Pasta Salad in bowls or on a platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture - it should have a slight bite to it.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
