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Italian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the ability to bring people together over a shared meal. From rich sauces to aromatic herbs, every dish tells a story of tradition and regional diversity. One dish that has gained immense popularity is pasta salad. These versatile salads can be enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion. They are not only easy to make but also offer endless possibilities for customization based on personal preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Italian Pasta Salad Skewers

Discover a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Italian pasta salad with these Italian Pasta Salad Skewers! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, these skewers combine rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, crisp cucumbers, black olives, and vibrant bell peppers, all drizzled with a tangy dressing. Easy to assemble and visually appealing, they're a crowd-pleaser that elevates any gathering with delicious Italian flavors.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red and yellow for vibrant color)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Skewers (8- to 10-inch wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Pour the cooked pasta into a colander to drain, and then rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before use.

    Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors develop.

      Assemble the Skewers: Take a skewer and begin threading the ingredients in this order for a beautiful presentation: start with a few diced cucumber pieces, follow with a mozzarella ball, add a cherry tomato half, a piece of bell pepper, a fresh basil leaf, and finish with a twist of the rotini pasta spirals. Repeat this pattern until you reach near the end of the skewer, leaving a little space at both ends for easy handling.

        Dress the Skewers: Carefully arrange the assembled skewers on a large serving platter. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the skewers, covering them lightly for enhanced flavor without overwhelming the individual components.

          Chill for Flavors to Meld: For optimal taste, cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate the skewers for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all the ingredients to marinate together and enhances the overall flavor.

            Serve and Enjoy: Present these delightful Italian pasta salad skewers as a vibrant appetizer, a fun party snack, or a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats. Gather your friends and family around, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Makes 12 skewers