Name: Cold Rotini Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You'll Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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As the sun shines bright and summer gatherings come alive, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing Cold Rotini Pasta Salad to steal the show! This dish is not only vibrant and full of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. I love how versatile it is—feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. I remember the first time I made this for a picnic; it was a hit! Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I was more than happy to share. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful salad that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or even a cozy night on the patio. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.

Cold Rotini Pasta Salad - detail 1

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer!)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

These fresh ingredients come together to create a colorful and delicious salad that’s truly a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to mix and match with your favorite veggies—this salad is all about personal touch! Enjoy the crunch and flavor in every bite!

How to Prepare Cold Rotini Pasta Salad

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the 2 cups of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it!
After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This is super important to keep your salad refreshing!
While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, black olives, and feta cheese. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those colorful veggies.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is key for bringing everything together!
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture, then toss everything together until well coated. It’s a beautiful sight! Now, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

And there you have it! A delightful, colorful Cold Rotini Pasta Salad that’s ready to impress your guests or simply enjoy on a sunny day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy summer days!
Packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.
Healthy and satisfying, making it a great side or main dish.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and add-ins.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues!

Tips for Success

To truly elevate your Cold Rotini Pasta Salad, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the pasta under cold water; it really helps keep that refreshing crunch. If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding diced bell peppers of different colors or even some roasted veggies for a smoky flavor. You could also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist! And if you’re a fan of protein, shredded chicken or chickpeas can make this salad even heartier. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Suggestions

This Cold Rotini Pasta Salad shines as a side dish, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside some warm, crusty bread or a light Mediterranean-style flatbread. A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea makes the perfect drink to complement this delightful salad!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for this delicious Cold Rotini Pasta Salad. Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.

What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts are fantastic additions to your Cold Rotini Pasta Salad.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the rotini pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are some great options available nowadays!

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!

Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Cold Rotini Pasta Salad is completely vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for meat-free meals!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Mediterranean Pasta Salad. If you’re interested in the health benefits of pasta, you can read more here.

Cold Rotini Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing cold rotini pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings.

Instructions

Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.