Description
Looking for the best easy summer dish? This cold pasta salad is quick, simple, and so refreshing! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a healthy lunch idea. It’s the best quick salad idea that’s colorful, fresh, and totally satisfying. Save this easy pasta salad recipe for your next sunny gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and basil.
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place pasta in a large bowl; add veggies, olives, and most Parmesan.
- Pour dressing over and toss until well combined.
- Top with extra Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
- Let salad chill for at least an hour for best flavor.
- Add feta or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg