Classic Creamy Pasta Salad
A nostalgic, colorful, and versatile pasta salad tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and cubes of cheddar cheese. Perfect for summer afternoons, potlucks, meal prep, and backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup black olives sliced
- 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubed
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.33 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cheddar cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 20gSodium: 470mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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