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California Pasta Salad for a Summer Lunch or Dinner: A Fresh and Flavorful Recipe You’ll Love


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

1. Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, shredded cheddar, and herbs.

3. Make Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine:
Add cooled pasta to the veggies. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

 

5. Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.