Ingredients and Weight:
- Rotini pasta (8 ounces)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
- Cucumber (1/2 cup, diced)
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced)
- Bell pepper (1/4 cup, diced)
- Black olives (1/2 cup, halved)
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
- Italian dressing (1/2 cup)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2/5 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, halved black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and Italian dressing.
- Toss well to combine.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Refreshing and flavorful
- Colorful and visually appealing
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Easily customizable with different vegetables or cheeses
User Comments:
- "This pasta salad is so refreshing and delicious! I love the combination of flavors."
- "It's so easy to make and can be customized to everyone's tastes."
- "I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit!"
- "The perfect side dish for a grilled chicken or fish."
- "I added some grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have Italian dressing, you can substitute a combination of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese.
- To make the pasta salad ahead of time, combine all the ingredients except the tomatoes and cucumbers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add the tomatoes and cucumbers just before serving.
