DESCRIPTION OF TUSCAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD
Embrace the essence of Italian summers with our Tuscan Sunshine Pasta Salad. This colourful dish combines rotini pasta with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy olives, and creamy mozzarella, all tied together with a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side to any meal, promising a delightful taste that transports you straight to the heart of Tuscany.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Side
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 8
CUISINE
- Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Boil, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Picnics, Summer Gatherings, Casual Lunches
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- High Fibre, Kid Friendly, Low Cholesterol
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR TUSCAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, such as mozzarella pearls or Bocconcini
- 4 oz salami, sliced
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley and basil, chopped
- Italian salad dressing to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 3g
PREPARATION FOR TUSCAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the olives and pepperoncini.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, sliced salami, mozzarella balls, and chopped herbs.
- Dress the Salad: Pour Italian salad dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to meld the flavours together before serving.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 10 minutes
TIPS FOR TUSCAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD
- For the best flavour, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
- Enhance the freshness with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Vegan Variation: Omit the salami and mozzarella. Add diced avocado or vegan cheese alternatives for a creamy texture.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR TUSCAN SUNSHINE PASTA SALAD
- Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It is best if consumed fresh but can be stored overnight to deepen the flavours.
Our Tuscan Sunshine Pasta Salad is a celebration of flavours and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion that calls for a refreshing, hearty side dish.