Description
Healthy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the freshness of seasonal vegetables, savory turkey pepperoni (or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative), and creamy mozzarella. Tossed in a light homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to quick weeknight dinners. Prepare it in just 25 minutes, and enjoy the flavors that deepen as it chills in the fridge. This delightful salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces uncooked short pasta (like rotini)
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper (diced) or fresh red bell pepper
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 4 ounces turkey pepperoni (quartered) or 1 can chickpeas
- 4 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls
- Dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package directions; reserve 3 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, mix dressing ingredients until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine all remaining salad ingredients. Pour in the dressing and mix until well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg