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California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad: Your Go-To for Fresh, Easy Meals

California Pasta Salad brings together fresh ingredients for a colorful, customizable dish perfect for potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free options
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes can substitute with grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup Cucumber can substitute with bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion can use green onions for milder taste
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives omit for milder salad
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper any color of bell pepper works
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese substitute with dairy-free cheese for vegan version
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing consider making your own for a healthier twist
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley basil can be used as a fragrant substitute
  • to taste Salt season to taste
  • to taste Pepper season to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
  3. After draining the pasta in a colander, rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta, along with the vibrant cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, sharp red onion, briny black olives, sweet bell pepper, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour a generous amount of Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad to enhance the flavors, and finish by adding freshly chopped parsley.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the California Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance; just add fresh toppings just before serving for the best crunch!

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