Description
Bright and refreshing, this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for summer gatherings. Loaded with colorful vegetables and zesty flavors, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and cool.
- 2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice the red onion.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Toss gently until well mixed.
- 4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with seasonal veggies or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: No cooking after initial preparation
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg