Description
A quick, no-cook pasta salad that comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples. This light vinaigrette-based salad is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette-based)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the rotini in salted water according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by one minute to keep it al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread on a baking sheet or plate to cool completely (10-15 minutes).
- While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables: halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely dice the red onion, cube the cheddar cheese, and slice the black olives.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and dried oregano until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cheese, and olives.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Do not add warm pasta to the vegetables as it will wilt them. Salt the pasta water generously. The salad improves in flavor after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Do not freeze, as vegetables will become mushy. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pasta salad, no-bake, quick lunch, meal prep, summer recipes, vegetarian, easy dinner, cold pasta salad