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Italian Rotini Pasta Salad

This dish is a vibrant pasta salad made with corkscrew-shaped rotini, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, and a zesty Italian dressing. The ingredients are combined and chilled to create a colorful, crunchy, and flavorful final dish with a light and tangy texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta about 2 cups dry
  • 1 each bell pepper preferably a mix of colors, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated, optional for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl or jar

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the bell peppers into small, colorful dice and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Italian dressing, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creates a flavorful dressing to coat the salad.
  4. Transfer the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss everything together until well coated and evenly mixed. The pasta should glisten with the dressing and the vegetables should be vibrant.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss to distribute it evenly.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad to chill.
  8. After chilling, give the pasta salad a final toss, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve cold, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with other vegetables or add protein like cooked chicken or mozzarella balls for extra heartiness.