This fresh and colorful Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with crisp vegetables, black olives, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti or thin pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Italian Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
