This Pasta Deli Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. It's packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and tender pasta. The tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor, making it a refreshing dish for hot summer days. Great for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any occasion, this salad is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
- Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and basil leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
The combination of tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and cheese makes this pasta salad a flavorful and satisfying dish.
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
Pasta salads are versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side to complement your meal.