Description
A fresh, colorful, and vibrant pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing. This easy California pasta salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or as a light summer meal. It’s bright, refreshing, and packed with West Coast flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Salad:
12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, finely sliced
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
1 avocado, diced
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
½ cup feta cheese or mozzarella pearls
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the California Pasta Salad Dressing:
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While pasta cools, chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, avocado, and herbs.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, corn, olives, and cheese. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Add avocado just before serving for best texture.
Notes
• For a creamy California pasta salad dressing, add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayo.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• For a California salad with fruit twist, mix in diced mango or strawberries.
• Best served chilled but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Boiled / Mixed
- Cuisine: American / California-Inspired