PastaSalad

Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

A customizable kitchen sink pasta salad made with Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini, fresh veggies, and a simple homemade dressing.

15 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty

This kitchen sink pasta salad is all about flexibility, flavor, and ease. Built on a base of Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini, this recipe is a highly satisfying option that makes the most of whatever ingredients you already have in your fridge. It is fresh, filling, and absolutely perfect for weeknight meal prep, quick healthy lunches, or cleaning out the crisper drawer.

Ingredients

1 box Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini

2 cups fresh arugula (or spinach/kale)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/4 cup pickled red onions

1 cup cucumber salad (or chopped fresh cucumbers)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

For the Simple Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil, vinegar of choice, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Quick Tips

Cool the pasta first: Always let your Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini cool completely after draining before tossing it with the fresh vegetables. Warm pasta will wilt your fresh arugula and soften the crisp cucumbers.

Emulsify your dressing: Whisk your olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice vigorously in a separate small bowl before pouring it over the salad. This ensures the dressing coats every noodle evenly rather than pooling at the bottom.

Add avocado last: To keep your salad looking bright and clean, gently fold the diced avocado in at the very end so it doesn't get mashed while tossing the heavier ingredients.

Embrace your leftovers: Treat the ingredient list as a guideline! This recipe is a fantastic, delicious way to reduce food waste by utilizing small amounts of leftover veggies or proteins.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Pesto Rotini

Ultimate kitchen flexibility—easily swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge
Stays fresh and delicious in the fridge for easy grab-and-go weekday meals
Light Rotini cuts the traditional pasta calories in half while keeping you full
Loaded with crisp textures and a bright, zesty homemade dressing

How To Make Cheesy Pesto Rotini

1

Cook and Cool the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely to room temperature.

2

Prep the Salad Base In a large, spacious mixing bowl, combine the completely cooled rotini pasta with the fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, pickled red onions, cucumber salad, and rinsed chickpeas.

3

Whisk the Quick Dressing In a separate small bowl or glass jar, combine your extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified.

4

Toss and Garnish Drizzle the homemade dressing evenly over the pasta salad. Toss everything gently with salad tongs until beautifully coated. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Top the salad with the sliced hard-boiled eggs just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! This salad holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you are prepping it days in advance, we recommend keeping the sliced egg and avocado separate, adding them fresh on the day you plan to eat it.

What can I use if I don't have arugula?

Any sturdy green works beautifully! You can easily substitute the arugula for chopped baby spinach, shredded kale, romaine lettuce, or even fresh herbs like parsley and basil.

What type of vinegar works best for the quick dressing?

Because this recipe is so flexible, almost any light vinegar works perfectly! Red wine vinegar, white balsamic, apple cider vinegar, or even a simple white wine vinegar will give you that beautiful, bright tang.

Optional Additions & Variations

Make this salad even heartier by digging into your pantry or fridge for these excellent mix-ins:

  • Extra Proteins: Leftover grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna.
  • Crunchy Toppings: Sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnut pieces.
  • Savory Boosts: Sliced kalamata olives, capers, or crumbled feta cheese.
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