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Rainbow Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese, this salad is both visually appealing and delicious. The Italian dressing ties everything together, making each bite a burst of flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a side dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's dive into making this delightful salad!
Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Add feta cheese and Italian dressing. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Pasta Salad Recipe
What you will need to make rainbow pasta salad
- Rotini pasta: Provides a hearty base, perfect for absorbing flavors from the dressing and holding up well with other ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory elements of the salad.
- Cucumber: Offers a refreshing crunch, complementing the other vegetables and adding a cooling effect.
- Red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper: Bring sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy bite, balancing the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes.
- Black olives: Contributes a salty, briny flavor, adding depth and contrast to the salad.
- Feta cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy element, enriching the overall taste and texture.
- Italian dressing: Ties all the ingredients together with its zesty, herbaceous flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe
- Large pot: Needed to cook the pasta until al dente.
- Colander: Essential for draining and rinsing the cooked pasta.
- Large mixing bowl: Used to combine all the salad ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Required for chopping vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting vegetables.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of pasta and dressing.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the salad ingredients together.
Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe
A colorful and refreshing pasta salad perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Add feta cheese and Italian dressing. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add more veggies or switch up the dressing to your liking.
Read more: Crab and Pasta Salad Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare pasta salad as directed.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 2 days before serving.
- Toss with extra dressing if needed before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Cook pasta and cool completely.
- Combine pasta with veggies, but leave out dressing and cheese.
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Add dressing and cheese before serving.
Using tricolor rotini adds not only visual appeal but also a subtle difference in flavor, making the rainbow pasta salad even more delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this Rainbow Pasta Salad?
It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an hour to chill in the fridge.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
You can substitute with goat cheese or even mozzarella cubes.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
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