rotini pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
rotini pasta salad recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best rotini pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this rotini pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event.

My family loves it because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. I love that it’s a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the pasta. I prefer rotini because it holds onto the sauce so well, but you can use any shape you like.

The technique is simple: just cook the pasta, mix it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then add in your favorite vegetables and cheese. I like to use cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and shredded mozzarella.

You can customize it however you like, but this combination is a winner in our house. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and cheese from previous meals.

Just chop them up and toss them in with the pasta.

Rotini Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta Salad

4.7 from 1250 votes

A colorful and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a potluck side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz rotini pasta
1 tsp salt

For the Vegetables

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool.
5In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
6Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced olives.
8Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables.
9Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
10Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11This step is crucial for developing the best taste.
12Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Serve chilled and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Rotini Pasta Salad Works

Rotini pasta salad is a dish thats excellent for any occasion. It is a great dish for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics. It is also a great dish for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This pasta salad is a healthier option compared to other pasta salads as it is packed with vegetables and uses a lighter vinaigrette instead of a heavy cream-based dressing. This pasta salad is a dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand or what is in season.

Rotini pasta salad is a dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. It is a great dish for any occasion and is always a hit with both kids and adults. I love this dish because it is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and it is a healthier option compared to other pasta salads.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rotini Pasta Salad

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

A: You can use any shape of pasta you like, but I prefer rotini because it holds onto the sauce so well.

Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh vegetables if you have them on hand. Just chop them up and add them to the pasta mixture.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

A: This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just assemble all the ingredients except for the cheese, which you can add just before serving.

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this salad is suitable for vegetarians as long as you omit the cheese or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.

Similar Posts