Cool Pasta Salad
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
This vibrant Cool Pasta Salad is a delightful summer favorite, perfect for utilizing fresh vegetables from the garden. Its crisp, refreshing flavors make it an ideal choice for covered dish dinners or casual gatherings. The creamy, tangy dressing combined with the crunch of cucumbers and tomatoes will surely become a staple at your next get-together.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pasta (any variety you prefer)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup green olives, sliced
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches a firm, al dente texture. Once cooked, promptly drain the pasta and rinse it under cold tap water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to cool completely before mixing. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, dice the tomatoes and cucumbers. Place them in a bowl and set aside. -
Make the Dressing:
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well-blended. -
Combine Ingredients:
Once the pasta has cooled, add the diced tomatoes and cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold in the pasta, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. -
Add the Olives:
Fold in the sliced green olives, distributing them throughout the salad. -
Chill and Serve:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and to serve it cold. -
Enjoy:
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for any summer gathering or casual meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 385.3
- Fat Content: 18.8 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.7 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 11.5 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 793.8 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 48.4 grams
- Fiber Content: 2.7 grams
- Sugar Content: 5 grams
- Protein Content: 7.1 grams
Keywords: Summer Pasta Salad, Garden Fresh, Low Cholesterol, Quick Pasta Salad, Chilled Pasta Salad
