Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
Right, let's dive into this easy pasta salad recipe lark! honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of pasta salad? it's a classic for a reason.
Have you ever wondered what makes it so damn good?
Rainbow Rotini: Your New Go-To Salad Pasta
This isn't just any old salad. we are talking about a vibrant rainbow rotini pasta salad! imagine twisting, colorful rotini mixed with fresh veggies.
Add a zingy lemon herb vinaigrette. this cold pasta dish is an absolute winner.
Where Does This Beauty Come From?
Think of it as a modern take on a classic italian vibe. the italian pasta salad recipe is simple. it uses fresh ingredients.
Plus, it's proper easy to throw together. we are not talking michelin star stuff here.
It’s dead easy to make. prep time is about 20 minutes, and it takes only 10 minutes to cook. allow extra time for chilling.
This potluck pasta salad will feed six hungry souls.
Why You'll Love This Salad
Let's get down to the benefits. it's packed with goodness from fresh veggies. it’s also a good source of energy.
Perfect for a summer barbie or a quick lunch. it is the queen of summer pasta salad recipes ! and if you're looking for best salad recipes , this one needs to be added to the list, pronto!
Plus, it's a fantastic make-ahead pasta salad . I make mine the night before. The flavors meld together beautifully. A proper time saver.
Now, let’s talk ingredients. We need that lovely rainbow rotini. Next, we'll pile in the fresh ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Next Amazing Salad Pasta
Okay, let's get down to the nitty gritty! we're about to make the easy pasta salad recipe of your dreams. honestly, it's so simple, even i can't mess it up.
And that's saying something! ever burnt water? yeah, me too.
Main Salad Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
Here's what you'll need for this Best Salad Recipes contender. These measurements are pretty spot on.
- Rotini pasta: 1 pound (450g). Quality pasta makes a difference! Look for a good Italian brand.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150g), halved. Sweet and juicy are what we want!
- Cucumber: 1 cup (100g), diced. Crunchy goodness!
- Red onion: ½ cup (50g), thinly sliced. Not too much, or it'll overpower.
- Kalamata olives: ½ cup (75g), pitted and halved. Love these!
- Salami: 4 ounces (115g), cubed. Choose a good quality salami.
- Fresh parsley and basil: ¼ cup (30g) each, chopped. Fresh herbs are key!
Seasoning Secrets: From Meh to Marvellous
These little flavor bombs will really take your Italian pasta salad recipe to the next level.
- Olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml), extra virgin. This is your base, so make it good stuff.
- Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml), fresh. Bottled just doesn't cut it.
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Adds a nice tang.
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon . For a bit of a kick.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Never enough garlic, am I right?
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon , dried. A must have!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
If you don't have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works in a pinch for this Creamy Pasta .
Equipment Rundown: Keep it Simple
You really don't need a fancy kitchen for this Salad Side Dishes .
- Large pot. For boiling the pasta, obviously.
- Colander. For draining the pasta.
- Large mixing bowl. To toss it all together.
- Whisk. For the vinaigrette.
- Cutting board and knife. Chop, chop, chop!
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do just fine! This Cold Pasta is forgiving. Honestly, this simple pasta salad ideas requires you to enjoy the process more than being super precise!
There you have it. Easy peasy. Now, go forth and make some magic! You can even make this potluck pasta salad and impress your mates! If you try this Summer pasta salad recipes , let me know what you think!
Alright, let’s get this easy pasta salad recipe sorted! who doesn’t love a bit of salad pasta , especially when the weather's playing ball? this one is a winner.
Trust me, it will become one of your best salad recipes .
Rainbow Rotini: An Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Honestly, this isn't just any old cold pasta dish. this is my go-to for summer pasta salad recipes it’s packed with flavour and dead easy to make.
Think sunshine in a bowl. you know? a real crowd pleaser.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. chop your veg, cube the salami, and get the vinaigrette ingredients ready.
This'll save you a right amount of time. honestly, all you have to do is the following: half your cherry tomatoes.
Dice your cucumber. thinly slice your red onion. halve your olives. cut your salami in cubes. chop your basil and parsley.
Get this all ready before you even think about boiling pasta! this is really time saving . also, be careful with those knives, yeah?
Cooking Like a Champ
- Boil 1 pound (450g) rotini pasta until al dente . Usually 8- 10 minutes . Don’t overcook it, soggy pasta is a crime!
- Whisk together your dressing: 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil , 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice , 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , 1 minced clove garlic , 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning , salt and pepper.
- Drain your pasta and rinse with cold water. This stops it cooking and stops it from sticking together. Let it cool completely.
- Chuck the cooled pasta, 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes , 1 cup (100g) cucumber , 1/2 cup (50g) red onion , 1/2 cup (75g) olives , 4 ounces (115g) salami , 1/4 cup (30g) parsley , and 1/4 cup (30g) basil into a big bowl.
- Pour that lovely dressing over the salad, and gently toss. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is key for the flavours to properly meld.
Ace It Like a Chef
Pro tip: Don't dress the pasta salad too far in advance. It gets a bit sad. Add it an hour or so before serving.
Another one: Taste as you go. Does it need more lemon? A bit more salt? Trust your gut. This makes one of the best salad recipes
Want to make-ahead pasta salad ? Cook the pasta and chop the veggies the day before. Store separately and combine just before serving for a great potluck pasta salad .
This recipe isn't just delicious; it also taps into the growing demand for convenient and wholesome meals. did you know that searches for " quick and easy dinner recipes " have increased by over 60% in the past year alone? it's clear people are looking for simple pasta salad ideas , and this one delivers!
it also offers a lovely salad side dishes .
Right then, let's chat about how to make this easy pasta salad recipe even better. we're diving into all the little bits and bobs that can take your already delicious salad pasta to the next level.
Honestly, it’s all about the details, innit? this isn't just about a recipe; it's about making memories around the table, one yummy bite at a time.
So grab a brew, and let’s get started.
Recipe Notes
Serving It Up Right: Plating and Presentation
Listen, first impressions matter, even with salad side dishes . don't just dump the pasta salad in a bowl! think about the colours.
Use a nice glass bowl to show off all those vibrant veggies. garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley. i once sprinkled some toasted pine nuts on top oh my gosh, fancy pants! serve it with some grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
And don't forget some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that lovely vinaigrette. for the drinks, i always recommend a chilled glass of pinot grigio or some refreshing lemonade.
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Nobody wants soggy pasta salad. refrigerate your cold pasta in an airtight container. it'll keep for up to 3 days.
If you’re thinking of freezing it… honestly, i wouldn’t recommend it. the pasta and veggies tend to go a bit mushy.
Reheating is simple: just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
If it seems a bit dry, a drizzle of olive oil will do the trick.
Mixing It Up: Variations for Everyone
Want to switch things up? no worries! for a vegetarian twist, ditch the salami and chuck in some cannellini beans or chickpeas.
Grilled halloumi? absolutely smashing! going for a mediterranean vibe? feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts are your new best mates.
Fancy a bit of heat? a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette is the way to go. this italian pasta salad recipe is so easy to adapt.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's be honest, we all love to know what we're putting into our bodies. this summer pasta salad recipe is a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
It is packed with vitamins and minerals from all those colourful veggies. it's also got a decent amount of protein from the salami.
Keep in mind the calories. there is an estimated 450 calories per serving. remember to adjust the amounts according to your needs.
The nutritional values are estimates. salami and olives can greatly affect this.
Making this make-ahead pasta salad is easier than you think. with these tips, you'll be whipping up the best salad recipes in no time.
Don't be afraid to experiment. get creative. have fun! this rainbow rotini pasta salad with lemon herb vinaigrette is a perfect potluck pasta salad .
With so many simple pasta salad ideas for you, get out there and give it a try. honestly, you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy pasta salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this easy pasta salad recipe is even better when made a few hours ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb the dressing a bit, so you might want to reserve a little extra vinaigrette to toss in right before serving to keep it nice and moist.
Think of it like a good cup of tea steeping - the longer it sits, the stronger the flavour!
What are some good variations or substitutions I can make to this pasta salad?
This recipe is quite versatile! For a vegetarian version, swap the salami with chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. As for pasta, penne or farfalle work beautifully in place of rotini.
Get creative and make it your own the possibilities are endless, like choosing your toppings at a jacket potato bar!
How long will the easy pasta salad recipe last in the fridge?
This pasta salad will generally keep well in the fridge for 3-5 days, stored in an airtight container. However, the vegetables might soften slightly over time. Always give it a good sniff and a once over before tucking in, just to be sure it's still fresh. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy ruining their weekend!
Is this pasta salad recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This pasta salad contains a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. However, the salami and olives can be high in sodium, so keep that in mind if you're watching your salt intake. You can boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables or using whole wheat pasta.
As with most things, enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet - a little bit of what you fancy does you good!
My pasta salad is a bit dry. What can I do?
Ah, that's a common one! Pasta tends to soak up dressing over time. The easiest fix is to simply add a little more of the lemon herb vinaigrette. If you've run out, you can whisk together some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for a quick and easy boost.
Don't drown it, though you want it nicely coated, not swimming in dressing!
Can I freeze this easy pasta salad recipe for later?
Freezing this pasta salad isn't generally recommended. The pasta and vegetables can become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. Plus, the dressing might separate, resulting in a less than-ideal result. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
It's like trying to freeze a perfectly cooked roast - it's just not the same afterwards!
Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad With Lemon Herb Vinai
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
