Print

Easy Vibrant Patriotic Pasta Salad Recipe with Homemade Italian Dressing

patriotic pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A colorful and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini, fresh veggies, blueberries, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for summer celebrations and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of tri-color rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium red bell pepper, peel and dice 1 medium cucumber, and chop a handful of fresh basil leaves. Drain 1 cup of mini mozzarella balls and set everything aside in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with vegetables and cheese. Gently fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss carefully to evenly coat everything. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving, and garnish with a few extra basil leaves for color and aroma.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Make dressing ahead for better flavor. Handle blueberries gently to avoid bursting. Adjust seasoning to taste. Salad tastes best after chilling at least 30 minutes. Can be customized with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins. For vegan version, omit cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, patriotic pasta salad, Italian dressing, summer salad, tri-color pasta, blueberry pasta salad, easy pasta salad, homemade dressing

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-vibrant-patriotic-pasta-salad-recipe-with-homemade-italian-dressing/