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Crack Pasta Salad

Crack Pasta Salad: Your Go-To for Vibrant Summer Flavor

Crack Pasta Salad combines fresh vegetables and pasta with tangy dressing for a quick, vibrant dish perfect for summer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz short pasta gluten-free pasta can be used
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh garlic for a robust taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add short pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Finely chop bell pepper. Place all vegetables in a mixing bowl.
  3. Once pasta is cooled, fold it into the bowl with chopped vegetables, and add sliced black olives.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine until coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance and stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as vegetables may become mushy.

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