Go Back
–+ servings
California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad: Vibrant, Easy & Perfect for Meal Prep

Enjoy a vibrant California Pasta Salad filled with fresh vegetables, perfect for meal prep and gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Substitute with your favorite pasta shape or gluten-free pasta.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can use grape tomatoes or heirloom varieties.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Substitute with zucchini for a similar texture.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Use green onions or scallions for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Substitute with green olives for a different twist.
  • 1/2 cup Bell Pepper Any color of bell pepper can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing Homemade dressing can be substituted.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Substitute with basil or cilantro for a different flavor.
  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the fresh vegetables and combine them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl of vegetables and fold in the cubed cheddar cheese.
  4. Pour the Italian salad dressing over the mixture and toss until all ingredients are coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This salad is meal prep friendly and can be made ahead, storing well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!