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Crack Pasta Salad

Colorful Crack Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Meal

Colorful Crack Pasta Salad is a quick, family-friendly dish that features al dente pasta and fresh vegetables for a vibrant, tasty meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz pasta gluten-free pasta can be used
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, can substitute with grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup cucumber diced, use any type preferred
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped, can substitute with shallots
  • 1 cup bell pepper chopped, use any color variety
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced, can substitute with green olives or capers
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing a homemade version is great
  • 1 tsp garlic powder fresh minced garlic can be used
  • to taste salt essential for seasoning
  • to taste pepper essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • serving spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, bell pepper pieces, and sliced black olives.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made-ahead and lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. Customize it with added proteins to make it more filling.

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