Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Ingredients:
- 250g (9 oz) fusilli pasta
- 1 liter (4 cups) water
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 200g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g (1/2 cup) mozzarella balls, halved
- 50g (1/4 cup) black olives, sliced
- 50g (1/4 cup) red onion, thinly sliced
- 100g (1 cup) arugula leaves
- 60ml (1/4 cup) Italian dressing
- 15g (1 tbsp) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pasta
Start by bringing 1 liter (4 cups) of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt to the boiling water and then add the fusilli pasta. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables and Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables and cheese. Halve the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and slice the olives and red onion. Rinse and pat dry the arugula leaves to ensure they are fresh and crisp.
Step 3: Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced olives, red onion, and arugula leaves. Toss these ingredients gently using tongs or salad servers to mix them evenly.
Step 4: Dressing the Salad
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss once more to ensure that every component is well coated with the dressing. The dressing will infuse the salad with a zesty and aromatic flavor profile.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. This step adds a rich, savory depth that complements the tangy dressing and fresh vegetables.
Step 6: Chilling and Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold as a main dish or a delightful side at your next gathering.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting a colorful and flavorful Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. This dish stands as a testament to the elegance of pairing simple, fresh ingredients to create something exceptional. Whether shared at a picnic or enjoyed at home, this salad offers a perfect balance of tastes and textures. As you savor each bite, consider experimenting with additional ingredients or dressings to make this dish uniquely yours. Here’s to many refreshing and satisfying pasta salads in your culinary future!