Pasta salad dressing –If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dish to serve at your next gathering, this Easy California Pasta Salad is the perfect choice! Bursting with flavors, this salad is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, potluck, or just want a quick meal, this recipe is a winner.
California Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is vibrant and colorful, featuring fresh veggies that add a nice crunch to each bite. Let’s dive right into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors for a vibrant salad)
- 1/2 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. This step is crucial to keep your salad refreshing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives. Toss them gently to mix.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the dressing may already contain some salt, so taste as you go!
- Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss again, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
This Easy California Pasta Salad is light, tasty, and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear in no time. Perfect for summer BBQs or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen!