Description
Red White and Blue Pasta Salad is a vibrant celebration of summer flavors, perfect for picnics and barbecues. This colorful dish combines rotini pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and juicy blueberries, creating a delightful blend of tastes and textures. Tossed in a light balsamic dressing, it’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with freshness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal, this salad is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber into small cubes, and slice fresh basil.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella balls, and blueberries. Gently fold together.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are coated with dressing. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added protein, consider mixing in crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken. - Add crunch by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds. - This salad can be prepared a day ahead; add delicate ingredients like basil just before serving for maximum freshness.