Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is a beloved dish known for its vibrant flavors and versatility, making it an ideal choice for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings and potlucks. Its creamy texture combined with fresh ingredients creates a delightful experience for both the palate and the eyes. This dish is not only appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to impress their friends and family.

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer with a creamy Italian pasta salad! This easy-to-make dish combines fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a luscious dressing, making it perfect for any occasion—from BBQs to potlucks. With ingredients like rotini, mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes, each bite is a delightful experience. Impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleaser that's colorful, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying! #ItalianPastaSalad #SummerEats #EasyRecipes #PastaLove #FoodieDelight

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Ingredients

8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or a mix), diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down, then set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, and green peas. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.

Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Give the salad a good stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8