Easy Pasta Salad
A light, refreshing pasta salad bursting with flavor, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (Rotini or favorite pasta shape) Tender and perfectly al dente for the salad base.
- 0.5 cup Cucumber (Diced) Crisp and refreshing, adds delightful crunch.
- 0.25 cup Red Onion (Finely chopped) Sharp and aromatic for essential zing.
- 0.5 cup Black Olives (Sliced) Salty and rich, contributes savory depth.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved) Juicy and sweet bursts of flavor.
Dressing
- 0.33 cup Italian Dressing (Store-bought or homemade) Ties ingredients together with zesty finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Mixing
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Add the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste the salad and adjust the amount of dressing or seasoning as needed.
- If desired, allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serving
- Serve the salad cold as a delightful side dish or a light meal.
Notes
Chill before serving to enhance flavor. Adjust ingredients or dressing according to personal taste.