Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tri Color Pasta Salad featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and basil pesto, mixed with fresh Roma tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. This chilled salad is seasoned with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, perfect for a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Dressing
- 1 box (12 ounces) tri-color Rotini pasta
- 2/3 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 4 Tablespoons basil pesto
Vegetables and Cheese
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 small can sliced black olives, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 5 basil leaves, cut into strips
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the tri-color rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Toss with Dressing: While the noodles are still warm, add the creamy Caesar dressing and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Add Ingredients: Add the basil pesto, diced Roma tomatoes, sliced black olives, red onion, grated Parmesan cheese, and sliced basil leaves to the bowl. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss all ingredients gently to combine thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and for the salad to chill completely.
- Serve: After chilling, give the pasta salad a final toss and serve cold as a delicious side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute some or all of the creamy Caesar dressing with a vinaigrette.
- This salad can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or parties.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
