Description
Elevate your next picnic or potluck with this vibrant pasta salad. Bursting with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, it’s a delightful combination of flavor and color that everyone will love. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this easy recipe can be customized to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to any gathering. Enjoy the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and the richness of olive oil in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably English)
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (aged preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg