California Pasta Salad Recipe
California Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines al dente rotini pasta with fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for cookouts, picnics, or light meals, this salad delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors inspired by the bright, sunny vibes of the West Coast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
Dressing & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Vegetables and Cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, chopped bell pepper, and cubed sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour 1/2 cup of Italian salad dressing over the salad. Toss everything to coat the pasta and vegetables uniformly with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Toss again to blend the seasonings thoroughly.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the salad with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheddar cheese or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
- Make the salad a day ahead for enhanced flavor but keep it refrigerated.
- If Italian dressing is unavailable, a homemade dressing of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs works well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: California Pasta Salad, pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad, picnic recipe, easy pasta salad
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/california-pasta-salad-recipe/
