Easy Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.7
Easy Pasta Salad
Description
The recipe begins by boiling pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rotini until al dente, then rinsing under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles. The pasta is thoroughly drained before combining with diced red and yellow bell peppers, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced black olives in a large bowl.
An Italian dressing binds the ingredients, evenly coating the pasta and vegetables. Fresh chopped basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese add bright herbal notes and a savory finish. Salt and black pepper are added to taste to balance the dish.
This salad holds well stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several days, making it a reliable make-ahead side. Toss with additional dressing if needed before serving to refresh the flavors. It pairs nicely with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta fusilli, penne, rotini
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 cups grape tomato halved
- 1 cup black olive sliced
- 1 cup Italian dressing or use your favorite store bought dressing
- 1/2 cup basil chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Drain the pasta well after rinsing.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives. Add the dressing and stir until pasta noodles and vegetables are well coated.
- Stir in the basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve at room temperature or cold.
Notes
- Store salad covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Toss with extra dressing before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 299 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 299kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 601mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 263mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 855IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 41.4mg | 46% |
| Calcium | 137mg | 14% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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