Name: Healthy Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 ounces uncooked short pasta (like rotini); 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved); 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced); 1 large green bell pepper (chopped); 1/2 cup sliced olives; 4 ounces turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas for vegetarian option); 4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls; Extra virgin olive oil; red wine vinegar; Dijon mustard; Italian seasoning; salt; black pepper; red pepper flakes

Description

Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Italy with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This delightful salad combines colorful vegetables, zesty dressing, and hearty pasta to create a quick meal perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family picnic, summer barbecue, or meal prep for busy weekdays. With just 25 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this nutritious dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. It’s make-ahead friendly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight for an even more delicious experience. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite proteins.

Ingredients

Scale

6 ounces uncooked short pasta (like rotini)
10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced)
1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
1/2 cup sliced olives
4 ounces turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas for vegetarian option)
4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls
Extra virgin olive oil
red wine vinegar
Dijon mustard
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 3 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
In a mason jar or small bowl, mix dressing ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, mustard, seasoning, reserved pasta water, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced roasted peppers, chopped bell pepper, sliced olives, turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas), and mozzarella balls. Pour in the dressing and mix until all ingredients are coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg