Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta tossed with vegetables and Italian dressing.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vegetables
Dressing
Optional Add-ins
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.
- 2
Cook the Pasta
Add 2 cups of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- 3
Drain and Cool
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Preparing Vegetables
- 4
Chop the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
- 5
Prepare Olives
If using whole olives, slice them into rings or halves, as desired.
Mixing the Salad
- 6
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
- 7
Add Dressing and Seasoning
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss all ingredients until well combined.
- 8
Add Optional Ingredients
If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for additional flavor.
Chilling and Serving
- 9
Chill the Salad
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 10
Serve
Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad!