Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Catalina Pink Pasta Salad! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines the tangy sweetness of Catalina dressing with crisp, fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta - a recipe that's not just a side dish, but a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a potluck, or simply craving a refreshing meal, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of rotini pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1 cup of Catalina dressing, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the 8 ounces of rotini pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and cut them in half. Dice the cucumber and red onion into small pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will also help prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced red onion.
- Pour 1 cup of Catalina dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your rotini al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Veggie Freshness: Use crisp, fresh vegetables and dice them uniformly for the best texture and presentation.
- Dressing Hack: For maximum flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully integrate with the ingredients.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add protein like diced chicken or cubed cheese to make it a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
