Description
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad combining rotini, cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella. Tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs create a crisp, zesty dish perfect for gatherings. Chilling allows flavors to meld for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing potluck staple.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 medium cucumbers, seeded
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
4 tbsp olive oil (light)
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh basil and parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook rotini according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
Cut cucumbers into half-moon slices. Squeeze excess moisture with paper towels.
Soak red onion in ice water for 15 minutes, then drain.
Cube mozzarella. Set aside.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Stir in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.
Toss pasta with dressing until coated. Add cucumber, drained onion, and mozzarella. Mix gently.
Cover and refrigerate for 2-8 hours before serving.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Drain pasta completely to prevent sogginess.
Chill dressing separately until ready to combine.
Add marinated cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives for variation.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Trending
- Method: Cold Preparation
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
