Elite Pasta Salad with Crisp Cucumber and Fresh Basil Leaves
Creamy pasta salad with rotini, fresh vegetables, cheese, olives, and herb dressing for a balanced chilled side dish or meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup cooked chicken or ham, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta until firm, then drain and cool.
- Mix mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta with dressing.
- Add vegetables, cheese, and olives.
- Fold in protein if used.
- Add parsley and chill before serving.
Notes
Cool pasta fully before mixing to maintain texture. Adjust vinegar for sharper taste or add yogurt for lighter dressing. Stir before serving.