Christmas Pasta Salad is a colorful and festive dish that brings the cheer of the holidays right to your table. With its vibrant red, green, and white ingredients, it looks just like Christmas in a bowl. Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, and a tangy Italian dressing, this easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, dinners, or as a bright side to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
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12 ounces rotini or penne pasta (use tri-color for extra festivity)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
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1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
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½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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½ cup black or green olives, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Serving
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Serves 6–8
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onion, and basil. Add olives if desired. -
Add Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 310
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
Tips
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You can use a store-bought Italian dressing for a quick version.
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Add diced salami or ham for a heartier salad.
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Use bowtie or fusilli pasta for a festive look.
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The salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Fresh, colorful, and full of holiday flavor, Christmas Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for parties — cheerful to look at and delicious to eat.
