This vibrant Italian Shell Pasta Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, bringing together perfectly cooked shell pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a complete experience. The al dente shell pasta provides a satisfying bite, while the medley of colorful bell peppers, red onion, and juicy grape tomatoes adds a delightful crunch and burst of freshness. The creamy mozzarella Fresca pearls melt in your mouth, complementing the savory Parmesan cheese. The Italian dressing, infused with fragrant herbs and garlic, ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, or swap out the vegetables for your favorites. It’s also a great make-ahead dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or busy weeknight dinners. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shell pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than package directions, and drained
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup bottled Italian dressing
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup bell pepper, seeded and small diced
- ¾ cup red onion, small diced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 8-ounce containers mozzarella Fresca (cherry size), drained
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the shell pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to ensure it remains al dente. Drain the pasta immediately and transfer it to a large bowl. The pasta should still be warm when it is drained.
Step 2: While the pasta is still hot, drizzle with olive oil and Italian dressing. This will help the pasta absorb the flavors and prevent it from sticking together.
Step 3: Add the black pepper, bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pasta. Toss well to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Allow the pasta mixture to cool for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent the mozzarella from melting when added.
Step 5: Add the halved grape tomatoes, drained mozzarella Fresca, and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooled pasta. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to crush the mozzarella pearls.
Step 6: Season the pasta salad with salt to taste, adding more if needed. Remember that the Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly.
Step 7: Spoon the pasta salad into a large serving bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Step 8: Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. If desired, add a splash of additional Italian dressing for extra flavor and moisture.
Step 9: Serve the Italian Shell Pasta Salad cold and enjoy!
Cooking Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better and provides a more satisfying bite.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing for the best flavor.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Some other great options include cucumber, zucchini, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- If you don’t have mozzarella Fresca, you can use cubed mozzarella cheese instead.
- Make sure to drain the mozzarella Fresca well to prevent the pasta salad from becoming watery.
- This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, estimated)
Calories: 450
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
This Italian Shell Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy preparation make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of textures and tastes is irresistible, and the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your personal preferences. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by this delicious and refreshing Italian Shell Pasta Salad!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better when made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance. Just be sure to add the fresh basil right before serving to prevent it from wilting.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute the shell pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli. However, shell pasta is particularly well-suited for this recipe because its shape helps to capture the dressing and small ingredients.
Q3: Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
A: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salami would be delicious additions to this pasta salad. Add them after the pasta has cooled slightly to prevent them from drying out.
Q4: I don’t have mozzarella Fresca. Can I use regular mozzarella cheese?
A: Yes, you can use cubed mozzarella cheese instead of mozzarella Fresca. However, mozzarella Fresca has a softer, creamier texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If using regular mozzarella, try to find a high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best results.
Q5: Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
A: This pasta salad is already vegetarian! All of the ingredients are plant-based except for the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella, but you can easily substitute those with vegetarian alternatives. Look for vegetarian Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses at your local grocery store.
