Go Back
+ servings
Big Batch Italian Pasta Salad

Big Batch Italian Pasta Salad: Perfect for Effortless Gatherings

A vibrant and flavorful Big Batch Italian Pasta Salad, perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Rotini Pasta Cook until al dente
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 2 cups Cucumber Diced
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper Chopped, any color
  • 1 medium Red Onion Sliced
  • 1 cup Black Olives Pitted
For the Cheese
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Cubed
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing Homemade recommended
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring at least 4 quarts of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, promptly drain it in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Toss gently to separate and cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion, pitted black olives, and cubed mozzarella cheese. Stir gently.
  4. Add the cooled pasta into the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Pour in your Italian dressing and toss everything gently.
  5. Sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta salad and mix gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for up to one month.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!