Description
Enjoy a vibrant Italian Pasta Salad that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and quick lunches. Al dente rotini mixes with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and briny black olives, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing brightened by grape juice. Smoked beef adds a savory depth while keeping the dish light. Ready in minutes, it serves six and delivers bold flavor in every bite, making it an ideal summer crowd‑pleaser and everyday side. Serve with bread and a tasty meal now.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1 cup smoked beef (diced)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini according to package directions and let cool.
- In a large bowl combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, and smoked beef.
- Whisk Italian dressing with grape juice and pour over pasta mixture.
- Toss gently, season with salt and pepper, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled. Adjust dressing sweetness by varying grape juice amount. Can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Italian Pasta Salad, easy pasta salad, summer side dish, quick pasta recipes, smoked beef salad, picnic pasta salad, Italian side dish, healthy pasta salad