This pasta salad is a fun and colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side dish for dinner!
You can customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese. I love tossing in some olives for an extra kick—yummy! Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just cook the pasta, mix everything, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini has a fun spiral shape that holds onto the dressing well. If you can’t find rotini, other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne work perfectly too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be great options for different dietary needs.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add color and freshness. If you can’t get them, chopped regular tomatoes or even diced bell peppers can brighten up the salad.
Cucumber: Crunchy cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. A good substitute if you have it on hand is bell pepper or zucchini. Peeling the cucumber is optional—leave the skin on for extra nutrients!
Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper can be used. I love using yellow for its sweetness, but red and green work just as well. If you’re avoiding bell peppers, try using radishes or snap peas for a crunchy alternative.
Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the salad. You can swap it with avocado oil or a light flavored oil if you prefer. Always go for oils that you enjoy.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Well-Mixed and Full of Flavor?
Mixing your pasta salad properly is key to making sure every bite is flavorful. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to rinse your pasta well after cooking. This stops the cooking process and cools it down, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Combine your veggies and pasta in a large bowl. This gives you space to toss everything without spilling!
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Start with a bit of dressing, and add more if you need it. This way, you can control how much dressing you use.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is important! Chilling helps all the flavors mix and develop.
How to Make Colorful Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This colorful pasta salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. With quick cooking and stirring, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to serve in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 7-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down. This step helps prevent the pasta from getting too soft.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced black olives, halved mozzarella balls, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Gently mix everything together to combine the flavors and colors—this is where the salad gets its vibrant look!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing gives your salad a delicious flavor kick! If using a jar, you can simply seal it and shake until well mixed.
4. Combining Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad you’ve mixed in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be gentle so your mozzarella balls don’t break apart.
5. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad and mix lightly to incorporate it. This adds a nice cheesy flavor to every bite!
6. Chilling and Serving:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy your colorful pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a nutritious substitute that adds a nutty flavor. Just cook it according to package instructions, keeping an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly from regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Balls?
If you don’t have mozzarella balls, feel free to use diced regular mozzarella or even feta cheese for a tangy twist. If you’d like a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese shreds or leave it out entirely!
How to Customize the Vegetables?
This salad is versatile! You can add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or carrots. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prep it up to 2 days in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge. For best results, add the Parmesan cheese right before serving to maintain its freshness.
