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California Pasta Salad Recipe

California Pasta Salad Recipe: Vibrant, Fresh, and Vegan-Friendly

This California Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant, fresh, and vegan-friendly dish, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: California
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with grape tomatoes.
  • 1 large Cucumber Use English cucumber for fewer seeds.
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers Use varied colors for sweetness and vibrancy.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Can replace with green onions for a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Can use green olives or omit.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing Opt for low-calorie versions or homemade.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Omit for vegan option; use nutritional yeast for dairy-free flavor.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
  4. Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and veggies and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold, perfect for a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This salad can be prepped in advance and stored for up to three days. It pairs well with grilled chicken or can be enhanced with feta cheese.

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