Rotini Salad(Makes 8 To 10 Servings)
A vibrant and refreshing rotini pasta salad loaded with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut flowerets from broccoli, peel stalks, and cut into chunks. Cook broccoli in boiling salted water just until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain broccoli, rinse under cold water, and drain thoroughly.
- Combine broccoli, cooked and cooled rotini, drained olives, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Italian salad dressing in a large bowl.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with carrot strips if using before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotini can save you some cooking hassle. To enhance flavor, marinate the olives in herbs or spices before adding them. This rotini salad is versatile and can easily adapt to include your favorite Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad as a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, and for a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside Pizza Tortillas. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor, and enjoy as part of a summer picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If you need to reheat it, a quick toss in the microwave for about 30 seconds will warm it up without making it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotini Salad(Makes 8 To 10 Servings) contains roughly 412 calories, with 18g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This rotini salad actually benefits from chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to develop. You can prepare it a day in advance, making it a great option for gatherings.
What can I substitute for Italian salad dressing?
If you don't have Italian salad dressing, a homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs works wonderfully. You can also use a creamy dressing if you prefer a richer flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned out for lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).