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California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad: Colorful Flavor for Every Occasion

Enjoy a vibrant California Pasta Salad full of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can be replaced with grape tomatoes for variety.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Zucchini can be used as an alternative if cucumbers aren't available.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Shallots are a milder substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Consider using green olives for a unique twist.
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper Sweet corn can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Try vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Other herbs like basil or cilantro can substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing A homemade dressing can enhance freshness and taste.
  • to taste Salt Season to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Season to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • large spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool quickly.
  2. While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and olives into bite-sized pieces. Gather all the diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Once the pasta is completely cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Grate or dice the sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
  4. Drizzle Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until each ingredient is well coated in dressing.
  5. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Mix well to ensure that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Serve in a large bowl or individual jars, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Chilling the salad longer enhances flavor and prevents sogginess when preparing ahead of time.

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