California Pasta Salad

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the California Dreamin' Pasta Salad. This dish encapsulates the essence of warm weather dining with its colorful array of fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, picnics, barbecues, or simply a week of meal prep. The California Dreamin' Pasta Salad is not only visually appealing but also rich in nutrients, offering a refreshing blend of colors and flavors that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Elevate your summer gatherings with the vibrant and refreshing California Dreamin' Pasta Salad! Packed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this dish is as nutritious as it is colorful. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep, it's easy to make and customizable for any dietary preference. Toss it with Italian dressing for a burst of flavor that will impress your guests! #PastaSalad #SummerRecipes #HealthyEating #CaliforniaDreamin #FreshIngredients #PicnicFood

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Ingredients

8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced

1 cup corn (canned or frozen and thawed)

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup black olives, sliced

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved (or cubed mozzarella)

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, corn, chopped red onion, sliced olives, and mozzarella balls.

Mix the Salad: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad. Add the chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until it is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best results, let it chill for an hour.

Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (30 minutes chill time) | Servings: 6-8