Easy Pasta Salad
Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. This quick recipe combines al dente pasta with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. Ideal as a side or main course, it’s not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it at a barbecue or prepping for lunch, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1/2 cup olives (black or green), pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions 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 olives.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for additional protein. Feel free to experiment with different dressings or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.