5.0 from 270 votes
Italian Pasta Salad
This cold, creamy Italian pasta salad is meat-free and combines fresh veggies, mozzarella, and with a zesty, tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 270 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound tricolor rotini pasta
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce can sliced black olives
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- ½ English cucumber diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella cheese balls ciliegine size
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt and add pasta. Cook according to the package directions, then drain and set aside in a large bowl.
- Meanwhile in a small bowl or jar, make the dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, shallot, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Add the dressing to the cooked pasta, then top with the olives, bell pepper, cucumbers, tomatoes and cheese. Toss until everything is combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
- Chill before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving helps the flavors to meld together.
- Pasta Cooking Tips: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite). Remember also to salt your pasta water—it adds flavor to the pasta.
- Add the dressing to the pasta while warm: It's best to dress the pasta while it's still warm because it absorbs more flavor this way. However, don't add the fresh veggies and cheese until the pasta has cooled down to avoid wilting or melting.
Nutrition Information
Calories
270kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
32g
(11%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
0.001g
Cholesterol
7mg
(2%)
Sodium
341mg
(14%)
Potassium
251mg
(7%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
441IU
(9%)
Vitamin C
14mg
(16%)
Calcium
111mg
(11%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 270kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 341mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 251mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 441IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 111mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.