Description
Looking for the best cold pasta salad recipe? This easy, quick, and healthy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies and Italian flavor! Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or summer BBQs. It’s one of the best ideas for a light lunch or a simple side dish. Try this easy make-ahead salad today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and olives.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Feta can be substituted for Parmesan.
- Chilling enhances flavor and texture.
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg