Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your meal prep with this vibrant and mouthwatering Colorful Turkey Pasta Salad that's not just a dish, but a culinary adventure! Packed with juicy turkey, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious, and Instagram-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, and slice the olives.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded turkey, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and sliced olives.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente - it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping
- Let the salad chill for at least 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor integration
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like basil or parsley
- For extra protein, you can substitute turkey with grilled chicken or chickpeas
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
