Summer means it’s time to get together with friends and family. One sunny day, I made a quick Tri-Color Pasta Salad. It had just six ingredients and was ready fast.

The creamy mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes were a hit. They made our meal colorful and tasty. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, making it a special moment.

This salad became a favorite for our gatherings. It’s easy, delicious, and makes everyone happy. What’s better than that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tri-Color Pasta Salad is a hit because it’s full of fresh tastes. It’s also super easy to make. The bright colors of the pasta and veggies make it a treat for the eyes.

It only needs six ingredients, like mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. This makes it perfect for any time, from quick lunches to special dinners.

Adding Italian dressing makes it even better. It’s great for both vegetarians and meat lovers. You can make it ahead of time, so the flavors mix well.

The end result is a salad that tastes amazing and looks great. It will impress everyone with its beauty and flavor.

Ingredients for Tri-Color Pasta Salad with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes

To make a tasty Tri-Color Pasta Salad, I pick a few key ingredients. I start with 16 oz. of tri-color pasta. You can choose rotini or fusilli for fun shapes.

Then, I add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. They add a sweet burst. Next, I use 16 oz. of diced fresh mozzarella cheese for creaminess.

I also add colorful diced veggies for extra flavor and crunch. I choose one red and one green bell pepper. A bottle of 16 oz. of Italian dressing adds a zesty kick.

Lastly, I season it with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper. This makes the pasta salad taste just right. It’s a great vegetarian dish that everyone loves.

How to Make Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Making this Tri-Color Pasta Salad is easy. First, boil a big pot of salted water. Then, add the tri-color pasta. Cook it until it’s just right, as the package says.

After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta. This stops it from cooking more and removes extra starch.

In a big bowl, mix the pasta with 16 oz. of Italian dressing. Add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes and diced mozzarella. Also, add colorful bell peppers for crunch and flavor.

Don’t forget to season it well. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper generously. Then, toss everything until it’s well-coated.

Let the flavors mix by covering the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for at least one hour. Before serving, stir it gently. This easy pasta salad is quick and delicious, ready in under an hour.

Serving Tips for Your Pasta Salad

To enjoy my Tri-Color Pasta Salad, serve it cold from the fridge. It’s great with grilled meats and sandwiches. Or, it’s perfect for a light meal on its own.

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a great idea. They make the salad look and taste better.

For a tasty twist, drizzle Italian dressing on it just before serving. This keeps the pasta fresh and flavorful. It’s a hit at summer parties, going well with many dishes or as the main attraction.

Storage Tips for Leftover Pasta Salad

After enjoying my Tri-Color Pasta Salad, I find it essential to know how to store leftover pasta salad properly. The key to maintaining its fresh flavors lies in using an airtight container. I make sure to transfer any leftovers into one and place it in the refrigerator. This method allows the salad to stay fresh for up to 5 days.

To keep the pasta salad moist and flavorful, I like to reserve a small amount of the Italian dressing. I mix this in right before serving to rejuvenate the dish. An added benefit is that the flavors tend to develop beautifully over time, often making the salad taste even better the next day.

If I notice that my pasta has soaked up too much dressing, I simply add a splash more dressing and toss everything together. This ensures that my leftover pasta salad remains just as tasty and appetizing as when it was first prepared. These simple pasta salad storage tips go a long way in preserving a delicious meal for days to come.

Customize Your Pasta Salad

This Tri-Color Pasta Salad is great because I can change it up. I add veggies like sweet corn, cucumber, or olives. Each one adds flavor and texture, making it different every time.

For a bigger meal, I add proteins like chickpeas, chicken, or salami. These choices make the salad more filling. The dressing is also key. I try new flavors like balsamic vinaigrette or lemon herb dressing.

Being able to change the salad makes it perfect for any meal. It’s great for a quick lunch or when I have guests over. I can make it fit what everyone likes and needs.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

This Tri-Color Pasta Salad is not just pretty; it’s also very good for you. It has about 354 calories, 14g of protein, and 36g of carbs. This makes it a great choice for a filling meal that’s good for your diet.

The salad is full of fresh veggies like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. These add lots of vitamins and fiber. They make the salad taste great and are good for you too.

This salad is great for vegetarians and works well for parties. It’s perfect for hot summer days because it’s light but full of nutrients. It’s a favorite in my kitchen for sure!