Christmas Pasta Salad (Ready-to-Print Version)
Colorful pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, and savory Italian dressing for festive meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
12 ounces tri-color rotini or penne pasta
02 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 -
1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
04 -
½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
05 -
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
06 -
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
07 -
½ cup black or green olives, sliced (optional)
→ Dairy
08 -
1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
→ Dressing
09 -
¼ cup olive oil
10 -
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
11 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 -
1 teaspoon honey
13 -
1 garlic clove, minced
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
02 -
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully combined.
03 -
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onion, and basil. Add olives if desired.
04 -
Pour prepared dressing over salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
05 -
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with additional basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
For a quicker option, substitute the homemade dressing with store-bought Italian dressing.
02 -
Incorporate diced salami or ham to increase heartiness.
03 -
Using bowtie or fusilli pasta can enhance the festive appearance.
04 -
Flavors intensify when salad is served the following day.