Skip to main content

Personalized Pasta Salad

Enjoy this quick salad in less than 30 minutes.
Bowl of spiral pasta, chicken and vegetables.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta, such as macaroni or rotini
½ cup salad dressing 
2 cups cooked, cubed protein (see Notes)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium bell pepper (any color), cut in 1-inch pieces
½ medium red onion, diced
1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Measure 6 cups of water into a large sauce pan.
  4. Bring water to a boil over high heat and add pasta. Cook until tender (about 8 to 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Drain well.
  5. Add dressing to pasta and toss lightly.
  6. Add protein and vegetables and toss again.
  7. Chill until ready to serve.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try cooked beans, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, tuna, salmon, turkey, shrimp, or hard-boiled egg for the chicken.
  • Try Food Hero's Red Wine Vinaigrette for your salad dressing.

Comments

I thought this would be a great summer lunch recipe. I personalized it a little more and added canned artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and green onions. I used a balsamic vinegarette dressing and topped it with a little more balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for added flavor. I used store-bought rotisserie chicken, which made this a quick and easy recipe. So flavorful, simple, and quick!

I used this recipe at an after school program and I had the kids choose their own add ins to the pasta so it was truly personalized. They loved it!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Whole-Wheat Quick Bread
Photo of Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole-Wheat Quick Bread

This warm and comforting whole wheat bread is ready in about an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
Festive Tortillas
Bright multicolored tortillas served next to shredded cheese and salsa.

Festive Tortillas

Make your own colorful, easy and delicious tortillas with added vegetables. Enjoy with your favorite fillings and toppings!
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 tortillas
Fruit and Nut Slaw
Colorful, crunchy vegetable mix in a large bowl.

Fruit and Nut Slaw

This fresh salad is the perfect combination of fresh veggies and sweet and savory toppings.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Split Pea Salad
Bowl with a vibrant mix of split peas, tomato and parsley.

Split Pea Salad

Tender split peas and fresh tomatoes and herbs make a light and tasty salad perfect for potlucks, BBQs and picnics!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Baked Carrot Fries
 Plate of Baked Carrot Fries and bowl of dipping sauce.

Baked Carrot Fries

Kids of all ages will love these baked carrot fries. Add a dipping sauce for more fun and flavor.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Squash Blossom Quesadilla
Plate of corn tortillas folded over cheese and squash blossom filling with salsa.

Squash Blossom Quesadilla

Tortillas filled with tender sautéed squash blossoms and creamy cheese. Make them your own by adding salsa, peppers, cilantro or epazote.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 quesadillas