Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing 

Spring Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from picnics to family gatherings. This easy-to-make salad combines al dente pasta with a variety of colorful vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. The mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and tangy dressing makes it a perfect choice for your next gathering or casual dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup black olives or Kalamata olives, halved

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and olives.

4. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.

5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g