Gayle'S Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad with fresh peppers, mozzarella, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 12 to 16 ounces rotelle pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 green pepper sliced ⓘ
- 1 red pepper sliced ⓘ
- 1 yellow pepper sliced
- green salad olives ⓘ
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotelle pasta until tender, then drain and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano to make the dressing.
- Add the cooked pasta, sliced green, red, and yellow peppers, chopped onion, grated Parmesan, cubed mozzarella, and green salad olives to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Refrigerate until chilled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding some cherry tomatoes or black olives for extra flavor and color. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotelle pasta can be a convenient option. You can also substitute the mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangy taste. Adjust the amount of olive oil and vinegar according to your preference for a lighter dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. It’s also a great dish to bring to gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may absorb some dressing, so feel free to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when serving leftovers. It’s best served cold, so no need to reheat; simply enjoy it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gayle'S Pasta Salad contains roughly 443 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat rotelle pasta instead of regular?
Absolutely! Whole wheat rotelle pasta can be a healthier alternative, adding fiber and nutrients. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take a bit longer to cook than regular pasta. The whole wheat flavor will complement the salad nicely.
How can I make this pasta salad vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses or substitute them with plant-based cheese alternatives. You can also enhance the flavor by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, making it suitable for vegan diets while keeping it delicious.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad gluten-free by using gluten-free rotelle pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from rice or quinoa that hold up well in salads. Just ensure all other ingredients, like olives and dressings, are also gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).