Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pasta Salad
Description
Pasta Salad uses tri-color or regular rotini cooked al dente and rinsed cold to stop cooking and cool it. Mixed with halved grape tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, cubed cheese (such as cheddar or marble cheddar), sliced pepperoni, and black olives, the salad offers varied textures from fresh vegetables and cured meat. The dressing balances acidity from red wine vinegar with sweetness and herbs like Italian seasoning and dried basil, seasoned with salt and black pepper. Tossing the salad with dressing coats the ingredients evenly. Chilling improves flavor integration and refreshes the dish.
It's convenient for picnics, potlucks, or as a simple meal, combining protein and vegetables with pasta.
The salad has moderate dressing amount, so those preferring more coating may double the dressing quantity. Different cheese varieties can be used according to preference.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounce rotini pasta tri-color or regular, dry, in a box
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes halved
- 2 cups green bell pepper chopped
- 8 ounces cheese cubed
- 4 ounces pepperoni sliced in half, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olive sliced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning dried
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box directions for al dente pasta.
- Rinse cooked pasta under cold water until pasta has cooled.
- Toss pasta with remaining pasta salad items in a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
- Whisk together dressing.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad, and toss to combine.
- Chill well until ready to serve. The flavors improve as the pasta salad sits.
Notes
- Cheddar or marble cheddar are good cheese choices, but you can use your preferred cheese.
- Increase dressing quantity if you like your pasta salad more heavily dressed.
- Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredient choices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 386 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 386kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 527mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 495IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 24.3mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 162mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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