Classic Pasta Salad
A colorful and versatile pasta salad perfect for any occasion, featuring fresh vegetables, hearty protein, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces Rotini or penne pasta Cooked until al dente
- 1 medium Bell pepper Chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 medium Cucumber Chopped
- 1 small Red onion Chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 1 cup Diced chicken or chickpeas Choose according to your preference
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese or feta cheese Cubed or crumbled
Herbs and Dressing
- 1 cup Fresh basil or parsley Chopped
- 1/2 cup Zesty vinaigrette or creamy dressing To taste, adjust according to preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, fresh vegetables, protein, herbs, and cheese.
Dressing and Chilling
- Drizzle your dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
- Refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For best flavor, taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Consider trying variations such as Mediterranean or Italian Caprese styles.