Description
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Substitute the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg