Go Back
+ servings
California Pasta Salad

Delightful California Pasta Salad: Fresh, Easy, and Customizable

A vibrant California Pasta Salad perfect for gatherings, featuring fresh ingredients and customizable options.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Feel free to swap it for your favorite pasta shape or a gluten-free version.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; grape tomatoes or other seasonal varieties make great substitutes.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced; zucchini can be used for a different texture.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Finely chopped; green onions are a milder alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Sliced; green olives can substitute or skip for a fresher taste.
  • 1/2 cup Bell Pepper Chopped; any color works, or opt for jalapeños for a spicy kick.
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cubed; substitute with dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
For Dressing and Garnish
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing Homemade dressing elevates the quality of your salad.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped; consider other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro as alternatives.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Strainer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Rinse the pasta under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes to cool it quickly and maintain its texture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the Italian salad dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss gently again.
  6. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Opt for homemade dressing for a fresher taste; this salad is perfect for meal prep and enhances its flavor when made in advance.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!