Looking for a refreshingly simple dish that’s bursting with flavor? This Easy French Dressing Pasta Salad is your answer! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight meal, its sweet and tangy dressing brings together a vibrant mix of ingredients in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup French dressing (store-bought for ease, or homemade)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken or ham, diced (optional, for added protein)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables. Dice the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice or dice the red onion, and dice the cucumber. If using, dice the cooked chicken or ham and cheddar cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber. If using, add the diced chicken/ham and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the French dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You may not need much salt depending on your dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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