Description

Pasta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring al dente rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this colorful salad is not only pleasing to the eye but also bursting with flavor. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your taste. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful recipe that will have them coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the rotini in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with diced vegetables. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition. Experiment with different dressings such as ranch or lemon vinaigrette for unique flavor profiles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.