Easy cold pasta salad –Summer days call for refreshing dishes, and nothing beats a deliciously easy cold pasta salad. This recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a simple lunch at home. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing, and the best part is that it comes together in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!
Easy Cold Pasta Salad
This easy cold pasta salad is a go-to for any occasion. The vibrant colors and the mix of ingredients make it not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Give it a try for your next gathering!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice, fusilli works great)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color for a pop)
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced (black or green, your preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta and cool it under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. If you are using whole olives, slice them up too. It’s all about the vibrant colors!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced vegetables, olives, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently until well mixed. Be sure to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let your pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
This cold pasta salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course, especially on its own, perhaps accompanied by a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy this refreshing dish during the warm days ahead and watch it become a family favorite!