Italian Pasta Salad (Print Version)

A vibrant blend of pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs tossed in an Italian vinaigrette for a refreshing cold dish.

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups cooked pasta
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
07 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
08 - 1/4 cup Italian dressing
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
02 - Place the cooked and cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the pasta.
04 - Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and add them to the pasta mixture.
05 - Dice 1/2 cup of red bell pepper and add it to the bowl.
06 - Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion and stir it into the pasta.
07 - Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and add it to the mix.
08 - Cube 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and add it to the salad.
09 - Pour 1/4 cup of Italian dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.
10 - Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the salad.
11 - Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over the ingredients.
12 - Season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
13 - Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
14 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
15 - Once ready, serve the Italian pasta salad cold and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a creamier version, add a bit of mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.
02 - Try substituting the mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier flavor.
03 - Add some protein like grilled chicken or salami for a more filling meal.
04 - You can use any type of pasta, but shorter shapes like rotini or penne hold the dressing well.
05 - Let the salad sit for a few hours for the best flavor infusion.

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