Ingredients
– 8 ounces of rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness)
– 1 cup black olives, sliced
– 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Colander for draining
– Large mixing bowl
– Cutting board and knife
– Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, which typically takes around 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, which helps maintain that perfect bite. While it cools, the colors and smells of the ingredients are already sparking joy in my kitchen! (See the next page below to continue steps…)