Description

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to meal prep. That’s why I absolutely adore this California pasta salad! It’s not just a dish; it’s a refreshing escape from the daily grind. With vibrant veggies and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for any meal, whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding the family. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a lifesaver on those hectic days. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!

Ingredients

Scale

14 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
½ large green bell pepper, diced
½ large red bell pepper, diced
½ small red onion, finely chopped
1 small can (approximately 3.5 oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Place all the vegetables along with the sliced black olives into a spacious mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the Italian salad dressing with the grated Parmesan. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of fresh vegetables. Pour the zesty dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing dinner that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Notes

For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 5mg