A Taste of Sunshine with California Pasta Salad
Are you ready to brighten up your summer with a colorful and refreshing dish? California Pasta Salad is your answer! This vibrant, flavor-packed salad not only bursts with fresh ingredients but also brings a smile to the faces of everyone who tries it. Imagine a bowl filled with al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 bell pepper red or yellow, diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grilled chicken chickpeas, or avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, olives, and feta cheese.
- Dress it Up: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!