Skip to main content

Rotini Pasta Salad

Full of colorful, crunchy vegetables and bursting with flavor, this looks really pretty on a buffet table. By the time I was in middle school, I knew that rotini and vegetables in the kitchen was the sign that we were headed to a potluck soon. This was and is my mom’s go-to recipe for PTA meetings, school plays, recitals, and baby and bridal showers.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound dried rotini or farfalle
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped
1 4-ounce can sliced mushrooms, well drained
2 teaspoons dry salad seasoning
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (page 159) or bottled Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Drain very well and transfer to a large mixing bowl. If the pasta will need to sit on its own for a little while, add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, if desired, to prevent sticking, and toss to coat.

    Step 2

    Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, salad seasoning, and dressing.

    Step 3

    Toss gently until well mixed and coated with dressing. Sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese and serve.

Eva's Kitchen
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.