Description
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With perfectly cooked rotini pasta tossed with colorful vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing, every bite bursts with flavor. This crowd-pleaser is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or family gatherings, this salad will bring everyone together. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful taste of summer!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and basil.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg