Perfectly Balanced Italian Pasta Salad

The key to any great pasta salad is finding a balance between the flavors and textures. This Italian pasta salad recipe combines fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing that will leave you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fusilli or your favorite pasta shape
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives into bite-sized pieces. If using capers, drain them after rinsing them under cold water.
3. Once the pasta has finished cooking, drain it thoroughly and let it cool on a wire rack to avoid clumping.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will make your dressing for the salad.
5. Add the cooked pasta, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and capers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Allow the pasta salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more delicious!

Cooking Time & Serving Size

The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 40 minutes. It yields about 6 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering.

Tips and Variations

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can include some cooked chicken or shrimp into your pasta salad. This would make the dish more filling and suitable as a main course instead of just a side dish.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing over the traditional lemon and olive oil base, try adding half-and-half or mayonnaise to create a rich, indulgent flavor profile that complements well with all other ingredients.
• For those who love more heat in their meals, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños. Just ensure you have some sweet treats like ice cream ready after enjoying this spicy treat!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The exact nutritional information may vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and cooking methods used; however, here’s an estimate based on a 16-ounce package of fusilli pasta:

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Total Fat: ~9g
• Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
• Cholesterol: < 20mg
• Sodium: ~400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~5g
• Protein: ~8g

Conclusion

This Italian pasta salad recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're having a picnic in the park or hosting an impromptu dinner party at home, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its refreshing flavors and satisfying textures make it perfect for any occasion.

With just simple ingredients like pasta, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper, you can create something truly special that everyone will love. So why wait? Give this recipe a try today and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!