Description
This Lunch Lady Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Featuring rotini pasta mixed with thawed frozen vegetables and fresh chopped broccoli, all tossed in a zesty Italian salad dressing, it’s a refreshing and colorful salad that comes together in just 15 minutes. Ideal for meal prep or potlucks, this salad is served chilled and packed with crisp veggies and flavorful dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 12 oz chopped broccoli
- 1½ cups Italian salad dressing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove all excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, thawed mixed vegetables, and chopped broccoli. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss lightly but thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or use an airtight container and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal to prevent sogginess.
- Use your favorite Italian salad dressing or a homemade version for a fresher taste.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust seasoning before serving as the dressing and frozen vegetables can add varying saltiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
