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–+ servings

Patriotic Pasta Salad

An easy, colorful pasta salad that features tri-color rotini, creamy mozzarella pearls, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It is the ultimate make-ahead side dish for any summer gathering or backyard barbecue.
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 4th of July, Cold Pasta Salad, Make-Ahead Recipe, Patriotic Pasta Salad, Summer Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 210kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced
  • ¼ cup Italian dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tri-color rotini according to the package directions for al dente.
  • Cool it Down: Drain the pasta immediately and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta from getting mushy.
  • Assemble the Base: Toss the cooled pasta into a large, pretty serving bowl.
  • Add the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, sliced black olives, and diced red onion.
  • Dress It Up: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Give it a good, thorough toss until every single piece of pasta is beautifully coated. Taste it, then add a pinch of salt and pepper as needed.
  • Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When you are ready to serve, give it one more quick toss and top with fresh basil if you want a little extra pop of green.

Notes

Michelle’s Tip: Do yourself a massive favor and make this one the night before! The flavors truly marry together and get so much better after sitting in the fridge overnight. If it looks a little dry right before serving, just splash an extra tablespoon of Italian dressing on top and toss again.
  • Prevent Sticking: Rinse cooked pasta with cold water immediately to stop cooking.
  • Flavor Boost: Make this dish the night before; flavors improve significantly overnight.
  • Revive: If the salad looks dry before serving, add a splash of dressing and toss.
  • Customize: Easily swap in crunchy vegetables or add extra protein like chickpeas or salami.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g