Ingredients
– 8 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup corn (canned or frozen and thawed)
– ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
– ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– ½ cup Italian dressing (or dressing of choice)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Crafting the Rainbow Pasta Salad is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and olives if using. Make sure all pieces are bite-sized for ease of eating.
3. Drain and Rinse: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, corn, and olives.
5. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad. Stir well to combine all the ingredients so that the dressing coats everything evenly.
6. Seasoning: Taste your salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Feta Cheese: If desired, add the crumbled feta cheese and gently mix to incorporate without breaking the cheese too much.
8. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Serve: Take the salad out of the fridge before serving, and give it a quick stir. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g