Description
Ah, pasta! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. My love affair with pasta began in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the aroma of simmering sauces and freshly cooked noodles filled the air. I remember her teaching me how to twirl spaghetti on a fork, a skill I proudly mastered at the age of five. Those early culinary adventures sparked a passion that has only grown over the years.
Ingredients
a pound of your favorite pasta
a cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
a bell pepper, diced
half a red onion, thinly sliced
a cup of black olives, sliced
a cup of mozzarella balls
a bottle of zesty Italian dressing
a handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella balls.
5. Pour in the zesty Italian dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Add fresh basil leaves at the end for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
To take your Italian dressing pasta salad to the next level, consider adding a few flavor enhancers. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a savory depth, while a dash of red pepper flakes will give it a subtle kick.
For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the salad just before serving.