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+ servings
California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad: Bright, Fresh, and Perfectly Delicious

California Pasta Salad is vibrant, fresh, and adaptable to various dietary preferences, making it a perfect dish for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta or your favorite pasta shape like bowties or penne
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes can substitute with fresh regular tomatoes
  • 1 large cucumber or zucchini or bell pepper
  • 1 medium red onion can use yellow onion for milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup black olives or green olives or capers
  • 1 medium bell pepper any color works well
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese can swap for mozzarella, feta, or vegan cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing or balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing
For Freshness & Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese. Gently fold to combine.
  3. Drizzle Italian salad dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its texture. Adjust seasoning to taste and embrace seasonal ingredients for variation.

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