Go Back
Pasta salads are a beloved staple in culinary traditions around the world, celebrated for their versatility and ability to combine a variety of flavors and textures. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes, the Chilled Tuscan Delight Pasta Salad stands out as a refreshing option that captivates the senses and delights the palate. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also embodies the essence of summer dining, making it an ideal companion for picnics, family gatherings, or as a light meal option on warm days.

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of Chilled Tuscan Delight Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavors from fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella, this salad embodies the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Easy to prepare, it's ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or a light meal on warm days. Embrace seasonal ingredients and enjoy a delightful balance of taste and texture that will impress your guests and tantalize your palate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz. fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, diced

1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water seasoned with salt to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely in the colander.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, take the time to wash and chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the pitted black olives and finely chop the red onion to enhance the flavor of the salad.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the cooled fusilli pasta. Then, gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, mozzarella balls, torn basil, and chopped parsley, ensuring an even mix of colors and textures.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the pasta salad until all components are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Take care not to break the mozzarella balls.

          Season to Taste: Take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the flavor by adding salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Toss the salad again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealable container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the pasta salad cold, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr | 6 servings

                Enjoy this vibrant, refreshing pasta salad as perfect outdoor fare for picnics or gatherings!