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Family Style Pasta Salad

Family Style Pasta Salad: Your Go-To Summer Crowd-Pleaser

This vibrant Family Style Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings, customizable, easy to prepare, and delicious chilled.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Ideal for holding onto the dressing
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can swap with grape tomatoes
  • 1 medium Cucumber English cucumbers are mild
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Mix in different colors for brightness
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Substitute with green onions for a milder taste
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Can use basil for a fragrant twist
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice Can use vinegar for acidity
  • Creamy Variation Incorporate mayonnaise or yogurt for richness

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
  2. After draining, rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold running water until it's chilled. This step halts the cooking process.
  3. While the pasta cools, wash and chop your vegetables: dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper; finely slice the red onion; chop fresh parsley.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and any additional vinegar for brightness. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad is customizable. Add proteins like grilled chicken or beans for additional flavor.

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