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California Pasta Salad


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  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad full of colorful vegetables and zesty Italian dressing, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ large green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ large red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small can sliced black olives (3.5 oz), drained

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables, pour the dressing over the top, and toss gently to coat.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, substitute dressing with ranch. This salad can be customized with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or any preferred vegetables.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg