Description
Grinder Pasta Salad is the perfect summer dish that combines vibrant vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty dressing, creating a refreshing experience for any gathering. This colorful salad features crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy red onions, all tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners. Delight your guests with a bowl of this delicious salad that’s sure to be the star of the table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of colors)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and cool.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese; toss gently to mix.
- Add freshly chopped herbs and give it another gentle toss.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required (after pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg