Easy Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Easy Pasta Salad
Description
Easy Pasta Salad features al dente rotini pasta cooled under cold water to stop cooking and maintain firmness. The pasta is combined with crisp, fresh vegetables like peeled cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, sliced black olives, and red onion for texture and flavor contrast.
Mozzarella balls introduce a creamy, mild cheese element, while Parmesan cheese and parsley contribute savory depth and herbaceous freshness. Italian dressing coats the ingredients, tying the flavors together and seasoning the salad.
This salad is best served cold and can be prepared ahead, allowing flavors to meld. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a picnic dish. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, but the pasta may soften as it sits in the dressing.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 English cucumber (peeled, sliced and quartered)
- 1 pint cherry tomato cut in half
- 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella chopped, balls
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 3 Tablespoons parsley finely chopped, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al la dente based on the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta immediately and then rinse with cold water until pasta is cooled off.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the cool pasta, vegetables and Italian dressing. Then gently stir in the mozzarella balls.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with the Parmesan Cheese and fresh parsley.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight until ready to serve.
- Serve cold and then enjoy!
Notes
- Cook pasta to al dente to ensure it remains firm after dressing and chilling.
- Feel free to customize with various vegetables like zucchini, peas, or banana peppers to suit your preference.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 290kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 406mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 314mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 525IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 23mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 114mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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