Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipe

 Tricolor pasta salad is a bright, colorful dish made with spiral tri-color rotini pasta, crunchy vegetables, cheese, and a zesty Italian-style dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or picnics and can also be enjoyed as a light meal on its own.

1. Ingredients (serves 6):

1. 3 cups cooked tricolor rotini pasta (about 250 g / 9 oz dry)

2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3. 1 cucumber, diced

4. 1 red bell pepper, diced

5. ½ red onion, finely chopped

6. 1 cup black olives, sliced

7. 1 cup mozzarella balls (or cubed cheese)

8. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

9. 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Dressing:

10. ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

11. 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

12. 1 tbsp lemon juice

13. 1 tsp dried oregano

14. ½ tsp garlic powder

15. Salt and black pepper, to taste

2. Cooking and Serving Details:

1. Servings: 6

2. Preparation time: 20 minutes

3. Cooking time: 10 minutes (for pasta)

4. Total time: 30 minutes

3. Method:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Tip: Rinsing helps keep pasta firm and prevents sticking in the salad.

2. Prepare Vegetables: Chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and olives.

3. Mix Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, vegetables, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.

4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk Italian dressing, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until blended.

5. Combine: Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors develop.

4. Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve cold as a refreshing side for barbecues or picnics.

2. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

3. Pair with garlic bread or a green salad.

5. Extra Tips:

1. For creamier salad, add 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

2. Use feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.

3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Stir before serving, as pasta absorbs dressing over time.

6. Nutrition per serving (1 of 6):

1. Calories: ~320 kcal

2. Protein: 11 g

3. Carbohydrates: 42 g

4. Fat: 12 g

5. Fiber: 4 g

6. Sugar: 5 g

7. Sodium: 430 mg