Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in every single bite - our Rotini Vegetable Salad with Pesto Dressing is exactly that magical creation! Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or when you're craving something light yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your meal game with this easy, delicious, and eye-catching salad that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and slice the olives.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Be sure to set a timer and taste-test to ensure it's not overcooked.
- Cool pasta quickly: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh vegetables: Choose crisp, colorful vegetables for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Let flavors meld: Refrigerating the salad for 15-20 minutes allows the pesto dressing to infuse the ingredients with delicious taste.
- Customize your salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or feta cheese to make it more substantial.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 8g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
