Description
This Refreshing California Pasta Salad is perfect for summer, combining tender bow tie pasta with crisp bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make side dish that’s great for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, delivering a burst of fresh flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 14 oz bow tie pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add 14 oz of bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of cucumbers, 1 cup of bell peppers, and ½ cup of red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with ½ cup of sliced black olives, mixing everything together thoroughly.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Italian salad dressing and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese if using, until well blended.
- Mix Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture, then pour the prepared dressing over the top. Toss gently yet thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the pasta salad cold as a refreshing side dish to enjoy during the warm months.
Notes
- For best results, use bow tie pasta or another short pasta shape that holds dressing well.
- If you prefer, substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the salad.
- This pasta salad can be made a few hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
