Are you ready to elevate your pasta salad game? Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with our Creamy Italian Tricolor Pasta Salad! This delightful dish is not just a feast for the eyes, with its colorful rotini and fresh ingredients, but it also tantalizes your taste buds with a creamy dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply craving a refreshing meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a favorite at your table. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz tricolor rotini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the tricolor rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and chop the fresh basil.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Italian dressing. Whisk until smooth and well integrated.
- Add the cooled pasta to the creamy dressing mixture and gently fold to coat all pasta evenly.
- Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh basil into the pasta.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution and coating with the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While tricolor rotini adds a beautiful visual appeal, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure it's a short pasta for easy eating.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even grilled chicken can enhance the salad's flavor and texture.
- Chill for Flavor: For the best taste, allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh basil instead of dried will elevate the dish significantly. If you can, try to chop the basil just before adding it to maintain its vibrant flavor.
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the fresh basil until right before serving to keep it looking fresh and green.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta salad with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. It also makes for a great lunch option on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 796kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 51g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
