This patriotic pasta salad is a festive twist on a classic dish, featuring tri-colored pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It's perfect for Fourth of July BBQs, Memorial Day picnics, or any summer gathering where you want to show your American pride.
Ingredients
- 12 oz tri-colored rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Interesting Facts
The red, white, and blue colors of this pasta salad make it a fun and festive dish for any patriotic celebration.
You can customize this recipe by adding other red and blue ingredients, such as diced red bell peppers or blueberries.