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How To Make Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches. Made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz pasta rotini or macaroni
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubed
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and cheese.
  4. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

You can add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein. Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have available.