tri color rotini salad recipe

The Best tri color rotini salad recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite tri color rotini salad recipe with you! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of the three colorful pasta shapes, the crunchy vegetables, and the tangy dressing is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me make it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.

I’ve made it for potlucks, barbecues, and even as a quick weeknight dinner. The possibilities are endless! Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a healthy and delicious meal option, this tri color rotini salad is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

I’ve experimented with different ingredients over the years, but the original recipe remains one of my go-to’s. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big party or just need a comforting meal for your family. And let’s not forget about the nutritional benefits – with all the colorful veggies and lean protein from the pasta, you can feel good about what you’re serving up to your loved ones.

My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even made it for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans.

Tri Color Rotini Salad Recipe

4.8 from 1245 votes

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring tri color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz tri color rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the tri color rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette.
5In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
6Adjust seasonings to taste.
7In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
8Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10This step is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
11Serve chilled and enjoy your tri color rotini salad.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal. You can also substitute different vegetables based on your preference.

Watch Video Of How Tri Color Rotini Salad Recipe Works

This tri color rotini salad is truly a classic – perfect for any occasion, whether that’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event with friends and family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you see fit!

And don’t worry about leftovers – this salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tri Color Rotini Salad

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

The tri color rotini pasta is specifically designed for this recipe, but you can also use other types of pasta if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredded mozzarella?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it may not melt as evenly as freshly shredded mozzarella. If you do decide to use pre-shredded cheese, make sure to sprinkle it on top of the salad just before serving.

Q: Can I substitute chicken or turkey for the ham?

Yes, you can substitute chicken or turkey for the ham if you prefer. Simply cook the chicken or turkey according to your preference and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.

Q: Can I add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like or have on hand. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber work particularly well in this recipe.

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

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours when stored properly in an airtight container. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving if you store it overnight.

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