Description
Indulge in a refreshing Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures. This colorful dish features tender rotini pasta mixed with crunchy vegetables, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or light meals at home, this salad is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a side or main dish—each bite is a celebration of freshness and flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted 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 large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped vegetables and black olives.
- Pour Italian dressing over the mixture; toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour to let flavors meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy! Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences—add grilled chicken for protein or different cheeses for added flavor. The salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance; just stir before serving.