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My Most Requested Pasta Salad

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A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad filled with colorful ingredients that brings joy to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a generous pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the veggies: Chop your veggies and herbs into even-sized pieces.
  3. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and cheese.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
  7. Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, easy salad

Find it online: https://sweetladle.com/most-requested-pasta-salad-5-ingredient-meal-prep/