Rotini Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion. This salad features rotini pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a tangy dressing, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. With its versatility and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
I simply adore cold pasta salad recipes. You can adjust them as you prefer or to whatever you have in your fridge. True story, this one recipe came to life in this one way. It is a simple spin on a delicious classic Italian pasta salad recipe; you can easily replicate it at home.
Here is an easy formula to follow PASTA + SOME MEAT (optional) + VEGGIES + DRESSING. I like to add spiral pasta and rotini. Tri-color rotini is an even better option, as it will make salad vivid and more colorful. The more colored the meal, the tastier it is. As for the meat you can use grilled or boiled chicken, ham, or salami or not use it at all. Vegetables can be added fresh or sautéed. For the dressing, you have a hell of a variety of options: from simple olive oil to fancy Italian sauces.
Learn all the tips and tricks on How to cook rotini pasta
Here is my spin on the classic Italian pasta salad recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Pasta Salad Recipe:
- 180 g rotini;
- 120 g cherry tomatoes;
- half of a red onion
- red bell pepper;
- 90 g cheese;
- 140 g ham;
- 2 tbsps. olive oil;
- 20 g fresh herbs;
- Salt, pepper to your taste.
How to make a perfect cold pasta salad:
- Cook pasta by following all the directions on the package: bring the necessary amount of water to a boil, and then add salt. When you add rotini pasta, wait for the water to reboil. Reduce heat to medium and let spiral pasta to boil. Cook it until al dente state (as a rule, 3-5 minutes less than told in the instructions). Drain rotini, rinse nicely in cold water, and let them drain again
- Slice ham into desired shape.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: cooked pasta and sliced ham, tomatoes, bell pepper, and sliced red onion. First, cut cherry tomatoes into quarters; halve bell pepper, get rid of the seeds, and slice bell pepper halves.
- Now, add grated cheese (use a coarse grater, as small strands of cheese will nicely blend into the salad).
- The final step will be to add salad dressing, salt, and pepper. For my taste, olive oil is perfect but you can use any dressing you prefer. For me, refrigerating is optional. Some like to give it 1-2 hours in the fridge for “flavors to come together”, not my option.
- Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs. Enjoy your meal!
This pasta salad is nourishing. You can consider it a proper meal! Hope you liked my recipe and you will share it with your friends! All your thoughts are left in the comment section below. Love receiving feedback from you. If you have any questions, I will be glad to help you.
Rotini Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 180 g rotini
- 120 g cherry tomatoes
- half of a red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 90 g cheese
- 140 g ham
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 20 g fresh herbs
- salt, pepper to your taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta by following all the directions on the package: bring the necessary amount of water to a boil, and then add salt. When you add rotini pasta, wait for the water to reboil. Reduce heat to medium and let spiral pasta to boil. Cook it until al dente state (as a rule, 3-5 minutes less than told in the instructions). Drain rotini, rinse nicely in cold water, and let them drain again.
- Slice ham into desired shape.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: cooked pasta and sliced ham, tomatoes, bell pepper, and sliced red onion. First, cut cherry tomatoes into quarters; halve bell pepper, get rid of the seeds, and slice bell pepper halves.
- Now, add grated cheese (use a coarse grater, as small strands of cheese will nicely blend into the salad).
- The final step will be to add salad dressing, salt, and pepper. For my taste, olive oil is perfect but you can use any dressing you prefer. For me, refrigerating is optional. Some like to give it 1-2 hours in the fridge for “flavors to come together”, not my option.
- Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs.
As you savor the last forkful of our Rotini Pasta Salad, relish in the vibrant medley of flavors and textures that make this dish a standout. The combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory meats, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and refreshing. This pasta salad will surely please, whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course.
If you have Pinterest, feel free to pin the recipe! Share this delightful recipe with your friends and family!
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe exemplifies the versatility and convenience of pasta salads. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and flavorful dish to share with friends and family. Let the memories of enjoying this flavorful pasta salad linger, inspiring you to explore more variations and embrace the joy of effortless cooking.
Julia Miller is the founder of FreeFoodTips. Julia loves to travel and test new recipes. Here you will find recipes that are simple, delicious and perfect for everyday meals. FreeFoodTips is also packed with cooking tips and tricks.
