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Easy Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies for a Vibrant Feast

This Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish celebrating fresh vegetables, perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Tri-color rotini pasta Swap for penne or elbow macaroni if preferred.
For the Veggie Medley
  • 1 cup Grape tomatoes Replace with cherry tomatoes for a similar taste.
  • 1 cup Diced English cucumber Any variety of cucumber works.
  • 1 cup Chopped broccoli florets Bell peppers or snap peas are perfect substitutes.
  • 1 cup Chopped yellow bell pepper Red or orange bell peppers can easily be used.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced olives Black or green olives are great options.
  • 1 cup Thinly sliced baby carrots Substituting with grated regular carrots works too.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped red onion Green onions can be a milder alternative.
For Extra Flavor
  • 1/2 cup Finely shredded parmesan cheese Mozzarella can replace it or omit for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup Bottled Italian salad dressing Feel free to use homemade Italian dressing.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and then rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to cool it quickly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your colorful veggies: halved grape tomatoes, diced English cucumber, chopped broccoli florets, yellow bell pepper, sliced olives, thinly sliced baby carrots, and chopped red onion. Toss gently.
  4. Next, pour the bottled Italian salad dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss the mixture until all ingredients are well-coated.
  5. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. When ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and give it a gentle toss. Serve it cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Choose fresh, in-season vegetables for the best flavor and color. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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