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Easy Picnic Pasta Salad

Easy Picnic Pasta Salad: Bright, Fresh, and Flavorful Fun

A vibrant Easy Picnic Pasta Salad loaded with fresh vegetables, perfect for outdoor gatherings and customizable to your taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz short pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne) A sturdy base that holds onto the dressing well; swap with gluten-free pasta if desired.
For the Fresh Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds a burst of sweetness and color; grape tomatoes work equally well.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Provides a refreshing crunch; try English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced Contributes sweetness and crunch; yellow or green bell peppers can be delicious substitutes.
  • ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced Brings additional sweetness; you can use more red bell pepper in its place.
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped Introduces a mild sharpness; green onions are a great alternative for a lighter flavor.
  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced Adds a nice briny flavor; feel free to use green olives for a different taste.
For the Cheese
  • ¾ cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella Offers creaminess and richness; substitute with feta cheese for a tangy twist.
For the Dressing
  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil This forms the base of the dressing; avocado oil is a great alternative if preferred.
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Provides necessary acidity to balance flavors; apple cider vinegar works well too.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds depth and complexity; yellow mustard can also be used if that’s what you have.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor; garlic powder is a good substitute in a pinch.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano Elevates the Italian essence; consider using Italian seasoning instead.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning; adjust based on your personal taste preferences.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Adds a kick of spice; leave it out if you prefer a milder dish.
For the Fresh Herbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Infuses a bright, herbal flavor; fresh basil can be used for a different aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped Enhances the salad's freshness; or skip it for simplicity if desired.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl or jar
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of your chosen short pasta—like rotini or fusilli—and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, ensuring it’s ready for your Easy Picnic Pasta Salad.
  2. In a medium bowl or jar, combine ⅓ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until well emulsified, which should take about 1 minute. This dressing will enhance the flavors in your Easy Picnic Pasta Salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, ½ cup of diced red bell pepper, ½ cup of diced yellow bell pepper, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, ¼ cup of sliced black olives, and ¾ cup of mozzarella pearls. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the pasta salad.
  4. Pour your freshly prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture, ensuring all ingredients get coated in that vibrant flavor. Use a spatula or tongs to toss the salad gently for about 1-2 minutes until every piece is glistening with dressing. This step is key to really bringing your Easy Picnic Pasta Salad to life.
  5. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil into the salad, using a gentle folding motion to mix them in. This will infuse your Easy Picnic Pasta Salad with fresh, herby aromas and add an extra layer of flavor to beautifully complement the vegetables and dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Easy Picnic Pasta Salad taste even better. If preparing in advance, feel free to let it chill for up to a day before your picnic.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Chill before serving and consider making ahead for optimal taste.

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