Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Easy Pasta Salad, a perfect companion for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners. Combining al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, this colorful dish is not only quick to prepare but also highly customizable, ensuring it’s a hit at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 10-12 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, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences—grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent protein additions. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate flavor further.