Description
California Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of the Golden State. This refreshing summer salad combines al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizing dressing to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta 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 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prep the rest of your ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, slice the black olives, and chop the bell pepper. Cube the sharp cheddar cheese.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, the prepared vegetables, and the cubed cheddar cheese. Pour in the Italian salad dressing and gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated. Sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
California Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare the salad a few hours or even a day in advance, but it’s best to add delicate ingredients like avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 15