Christmas Pasta Salad – A Colorful Holiday Side Dish Bursting
Christmas Pasta Salad is a cheerful holiday side dish made with tender pasta, colorful vegetables, cheese, and a flavorful dressing. Red tomatoes, green vegetables, and creamy mozzarella create a festive appearance that perfectly matches Christmas celebrations. The salad is refreshing, easy to prepare, and ideal for making ahead of time. Its combination of textures and flavors complements a variety of holiday main courses. Suitable for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, it adds brightness and freshness to the table. Every bite delivers festive flavor and seasonal charm.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow to cool completely.
- Wash and chop the tomatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, broccoli, bell pepper, olives, onion, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Toss once more before serving and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rotini pasta holds dressing exceptionally well.
- Fresh mozzarella adds creamy texture.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Use colorful vegetables for festive presentation.
- Homemade dressing provides the best flavor.
- The salad can be made a day ahead.
- Fresh herbs enhance freshness.
- Store leftovers refrigerated