Italian Tomato and Pasta Salad

Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Italian Tomato and Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Al dente pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant fresh basil, and briny black olives, then dressed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette featuring extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and a hint of dried oregano. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light, satisfying lunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a simple yet elegant side dish that highlights the best of Italian cuisine. Keywords: Italian pasta salad, tomato and pasta salad, mozzarella salad recipe, Mediterranean side dish, easy summer recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
• 250 grams Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 20 grams Fresh basil leaves, torn
• 150 grams Mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 50 grams Black olives, pitted and sliced
• 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, halved mozzarella balls, and sliced black olives to the bowl with the cooled pasta.

Step 5

Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	840.1 grams (840.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1348

Total Fat 78.90g	101%
Saturated Fat 23.90g	119%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 1850mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate 113.40g	41%
Dietary Fiber 11.00g	39%
Total Sugars 15.20g
Protein 47.80g	96%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 668mg	51%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 933mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.4%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 33.5%