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+ servings
California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad: A Colorful Twist for Every Table

Enjoy this vibrant California Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of flavors and colors, ideal for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 Cucumber diced
  • 1/2 Red Onion sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 1 Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Optional Protein Additions
  • 1 cup Grilled Chicken diced
  • 1 can Tuna drained
  • 1 cup Chickpeas drained and rinsed

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • Large spoon
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, black olives, and diced bell pepper.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mix along with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently mix until combined.
  4. Drizzle Italian salad dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Experiment with seasonal vegetables or alternative dressings for different flavor profiles.

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