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A bowl of fresh pasta salad with colorful vegetables

Proven way to grow the perfect 7-ingredient Pasta Salad

This delicious and easy pasta salad comes together with just seven ingredients, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures for any occasion. It's a reliable crowd-pleaser that's quick to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls small, halved
  • 4 ounces salami diced
  • 0.5 cup olives sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup Italian dressing

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; then set aside to cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, diced salami, sliced olives, and finely chopped red onion.
  4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator; this allows the flavors to deepen and the pasta to absorb the dressing beautifully. You can also customize this salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or a different type of cheese.