Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A colorful cold pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini, crisp cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a zesty Italian dressing, perfect for summer gatherings. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs tri-color rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the dressing.
- Step 3: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing, then fold in 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 cup mozzarella pearls, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and serve cold as a refreshing patriotic side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tri-color rotini pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Patriotic Tricolor Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
