Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light, refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (12 oz) box tri-color rotini pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups diced English cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups tiny chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup thinly sliced baby carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 1/3 cups bottled Italian salad dressing (preferably Kraft brand)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, making sure not to season the water with salt, as the dressing will provide sufficient seasoning. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine the ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large bowl. Add the halved grape tomatoes, chopped English cucumber, tiny broccoli florets, chopped yellow bell pepper, sliced olives, thinly sliced baby carrots, chopped red onion, and shredded parmesan cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the bottled Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It can be chilled for up to one day. Before serving, taste and add a little more dressing if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Do not salt the pasta water since the Italian dressing is already seasoned.
- Feel free to swap in other fresh vegetables like zucchini or red bell pepper based on availability.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance to enhance flavor melding but toss before serving.
- If storing longer than a day, add fresh vegetables just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.