Italian Pasta Salad Eat Yourself Skinny

Imagine a summer evening, the sun setting over the Tuscan hills, and the scent of fresh basil wafting through the air. This Italian Pasta Salad is a taste of that idyllic scene, packed into a single, vibrant dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

One of the reasons we adore this recipe is its incredible adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this salad is easy to execute and can be tailored to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Why This Recipe Works

• The deliberate balance of flavors, ensuring no single component overpowers the others.
• The efficiency of preparation time, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
• The richness provided by the tangy mayonnaise and the freshness of the vegetables.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a trick for the best mozzarella: look for the brand that still ages its cheese in-house, ensuring a richer flavor than store-bought options. https://www.example.com/recipes for a more in-depth guide to picking the ripest vegetables for this salad.

Quality tomatoes make all the difference in this salad. Opt for the plum variety or any other low-moisture tomato for the best results.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Italian Pasta Salad Eat Yourself Skinny

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

8 oz. pasta (e.g., penne, bow tie)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup sliced red onion

1 cup sliced cucumber

1 cup sliced bell pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup crumbled mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3

Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, sliced bell pepper, crumbled mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil to the bowl. Toss gently until all vegetables and pasta are evenly coated.

4

Season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

5

Before serving, toss the salad lightly and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the salad to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat before serving if desired by briefly microwaving portions of 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through, then stirring well.