Italian Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, and Pepperoncini Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Italian pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pepperoncini, and kalamata olives, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups mini fresh mozzarella cheese balls (8 ounces)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¾ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Seasonings & Dressing
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Your favorite Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade, typically made from olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and seasoning)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just past al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Prevent sticking: Drizzle the cooked pasta with extra-virgin olive oil and toss gently to coat, preventing the noodles from sticking together. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, diced red bell pepper, diced English cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved kalamata olives, sliced pepperoncini, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add dressing and season: Pour in the Italian dressing, then sprinkle with sea salt and grind fresh black pepper over the salad. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Add basil and finalize seasoning: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and adjust the seasoning as needed to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish the salad with extra fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat mozzarella or cutting back on olives and pepperoncini due to their salt content.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; chilling enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free option.
- If preferred, homemade Italian dressing can be made to control the ingredients and freshness.
- Best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
