Italiano Pasta Salad

Bright, refreshing, and brimming with classic Mediterranean flavors, this Italiano Pasta Salad is a must-have for your table! Made with al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, briny black olives, and creamy fresh mozzarella, this vibrant salad is perfectly balanced with an irresistible homemade dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, and aromatic dried oregano. Fresh basil leaves tie it all together, infusing every bite with a burst of herbal freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes and ideal for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks, this chilled pasta salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for those seeking an easy, flavorful Italian-inspired recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 200 grams cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 100 grams black olives
• 150 grams fresh mozzarella balls
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 30 ml red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion thinly, and drain the black olives. Set them aside.

Step 3

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh mozzarella balls.

Step 4

Chop the fresh basil leaves roughly and add them to the salad bowl for a burst of freshness.

Step 5

Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently to ensure even coating.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

Serve chilled and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1097.9 grams (1097.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2248

Total Fat 105.30g	135%
Saturated Fat 31.90g	160%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 118mg	39%
Sodium 4058mg	176%
Total Carbohydrate 260.20g	95%
Dietary Fiber 17.80g	64%
Total Sugars 22.50g
Protein 74.90g	150%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 955mg	73%
Iron 20mg	113%
Potassium 1637mg	35%

*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: 41.4%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 45.5%