California Pasta Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of California with this delightful California Pasta Salad Recipe. Packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is the perfect addition to your summer gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, enjoying a barbecue, or seeking a quick and healthy lunch option, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s not only vegan and vegetarian-friendly but also suitable for those on a weight watchers plan. Each serving is a medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers, offering both taste and nutrition. Quick to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, this salad will become a staple in your warm-weather meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 14 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 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 (approximately 3.5 oz) sliced black olives
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
- In another bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Find it online: https://melteddish.com/california-pasta-salad-recipe/