Zesty Rotini and Cucumber Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Rotini and Cucumber Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it the perfect dish for any gathering or family meal throughout the year. The rotini pasta serves as a hearty base, complemented by crunchy cucumbers, crisp green onions, and the aromatic touch of parsley flakes. Feel free to enhance the salad further by incorporating chopped green peppers and celery for an extra crunch. Tossed in a tangy cider vinegar dressing that balances sweetness with acidity, this salad can easily be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Your family will love this colorful and nutritious addition to their table!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
1 lb (cooked, drained, and cooled)
Cucumbers
2 (unpeeled and chopped)
Green onions
2 bunches (sliced thin)
Parsley flakes
2 tablespoons (dried)
Pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly ground or to taste)
Cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups (none)
Salad oil
3/4 cup (none)
Sugar
1 cup (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Rotini and Cucumber Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that combines rotini, crunchy cucumbers, and green onions in a tangy cider vinegar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What kind of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of rotini pasta, which serves as a hearty base for the other ingredients.
Should the cucumbers be peeled for this salad?
No, the recipe recommends using two unpeeled and chopped cucumbers for added texture and color.
How should the green onions be prepared?
You should use two bunches of green onions and slice them thin.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from a mixture of cider vinegar, salad oil, sugar, parsley flakes, and pepper.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to make this salad ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta salad.
Can I add other vegetables for more crunch?
Absolutely. You can enhance the salad by incorporating chopped green peppers and celery.
What kind of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of cider vinegar for a tangy flavor profile.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of salad oil.
How much sugar is required for the dressing?
The dressing includes 1 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How should the pasta be treated before mixing?
The rotini pasta should be cooked, drained, and completely cooled before being added to the salad.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dried parsley flakes for an aromatic touch.
Is this a good dish for summer parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe and party food due to its refreshing nature.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of freshly ground pepper, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
Is this salad nutritious?
Yes, it is described as a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal.
What is the primary texture of the salad?
The salad features a delightful combination of textures, from the hearty pasta to the crunchy cucumbers.
Does the salad have a sweet or sour taste?
It has a balanced flavor profile that is both tangy and sweet, thanks to the cider vinegar and sugar.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is recommended for its ability to hold the dressing, you can use other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Is there any preparation needed for the parsley?
No, the recipe calls for dried parsley flakes, which can be added directly to the mix.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to prepare this salad.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a pasta salad and is noted for being quick and easy.
Can I substitute the salad oil?
You can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, as a substitute.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The combination of cider vinegar, freshly ground pepper, and sliced green onions provides its zesty character.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Is the cucumber chopped finely or roughly?
The recipe simply states 'chopped,' so you can choose the size based on your preference for crunch.
Why is the pasta cooled before mixing?
Cooling the pasta prevents it from absorbing too much oil immediately and keeps the vegetables crisp.