Description
California Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish that screams freshness and flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To start, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. The perfect pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. After cooking, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool it down, which is essential for a salad.
- While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Take your cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Then, dice your cucumber, finely chop the red onion, slice the black olives, and chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. The colors and textures of these fresh vegetables will not only enhance the visual appeal of your salad but also add a delightful crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, along with the prepared vegetables and the cubed cheddar cheese. Drizzle the Italian salad dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well-coated. Remember to be gentle to prevent breaking the pasta or vegetables. Once mixed, taste your salad and season it with salt and pepper based on your preference. For added freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top.
- After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After chilling, you can give the salad another gentle toss before serving. Enjoy your California Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Notes
Always rinse the pasta after cooking! This prevents it from sticking together and helps cool it down quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 10 g