Fresh & Easy California Pasta Salad – Perfect Summer Side Dish
California Pasta Salad is a colorful, creamy, and refreshing dish that combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or side dishes, this salad is quick to prepare, versatile, and loved by many.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- ½ cup diced chicken ham
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 3 cups of pasta until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare vegetables: Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, and shred carrots. If using corn, drain or cook as needed.
- Cook proteins: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped turkey bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels. Dice chicken ham and shred cheese.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and cheese. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
Use pasta shapes that hold the dressing well, such as rotini or penne.
Prepare vegetables and proteins in advance for quicker assembly.
Customize by adding seasonal vegetables, extra protein, or nuts for crunch.