Garden Pasta Salad

Garden pasta salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the fresh flavors of the garden with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. This versatile salad can be served as a side dish or a main course, and is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering. The beauty of garden pasta salad lies in its colorful and vibrant presentation, as well as its ability to showcase an array of seasonal vegetables and herbs.

Garden Pasta Salad
Advertisement

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 40 mins

Servings:

10

Ingredients

Garden Pasta Salad
1 (16 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped onion
1 ½ (16 ounce) bottles Italian-style salad dressing, or to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Garden Pasta Salad

Step 1

Mix tomatoes, celery, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and onion together in a large bowl. Add cooled pasta, salad dressing, and Parmesan; mix until well combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour before serving.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

385

Calories

21g

Fat

43g

Carbs

8g

Protein

Complement

The base of garden pasta salad is typically made with a short pasta, such as rotini or bowtie, which provides a sturdy and satisfying texture. The pasta is then tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions, along with a generous handful of chopped herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano. The salad is then dressed with a light and tangy vinaigrette, which adds a zesty kick to the dish. With its combination of wholesome ingredients and bright flavors, garden pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that celebrates the bountiful flavors of the season.