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Close up of glossy white dressing coating rotini pasta spirals with black olives and oregano. (cold side dishes for bbq)

Cold side dishes for bbq: The Ultimate Creamy Rotini Pasta Salad

A vibrant, creamy pasta salad featuring rotini spirals, crisp cucumbers, and mozzarella cubes tossed in a thick herb dressing. The perfect make-ahead cold side dish for summer BBQs and backyard cookouts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 1 lb Rotini Pasta 450g, cooked al dente
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 large English Cucumber Sliced into half-moons
  • 0.5 cup Black Olives Sliced
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely diced
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese 225g, cubed
Dressing & Seasoning
  • 1.5 cups Creamy White Dressing 355ml, Mayonnaise-based
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano Flakes
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked

Equipment

  • 1 Large White Ceramic Bowl For serving and mixing
  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Whisk For the dressing

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook 1 lb (450g) rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
Prep Vegetables
  1. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into thin half-moons, and finely dice the red onion.
Mix and Toss
  1. In a large ceramic bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella cubes. Pour over the creamy dressing and toss to coat thoroughly.
  2. Generously dust with dried oregano and cracked black pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse your pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and ensure a creamy dressing consistency.
If making a day ahead, add a splash of milk before serving to refresh the dressing.