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–+ servings
Pasta Salad

Zesty Pasta Salad That Will Brighten Up Your Day

This Zesty Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any gathering, featuring tri-colored pasta and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Dressing
  • 12 oz Tri-Colored Pasta Spirals Feel free to swap with any short pasta you prefer.
  • 1 pkg Salad Seasoning Mix Homemade Italian herbs can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Italian Style Salad Dressing Substitute with vinegar and olive oil for a lighter choice.
For the Crunchy Veggies
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely chopped; can swap with green onions.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets Can use cauliflower for a different texture.
  • 2 cups Multicolored Cherry Tomatoes Halved; diced regular tomatoes can be used.
  • 1 small Red Bell Pepper Diced; any bell pepper color will do.
  • 1 small Yellow Bell Pepper Diced; feel free to be colorful.
  • 1-2.25 oz can Black Olives Sliced; can omit for a lighter flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Tri-Colored Pasta Salad
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Chop the vegetables: finely chop the red onion, dice the bell peppers, cut the broccoli into florets, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salad seasoning mix with the Italian dressing. Whisk until well blended.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing, and toss gently. Add in the chopped vegetables and mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Stir the salad before serving and transfer it to a serving bowl. Enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Feel free to customize your pasta salad with seasonal vegetables and dressings to suit your taste preferences.

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