Quick and Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or even a light snack. This recipe is quick to prepare, packed with fresh vegetables, and dressed in a flavorful vinaigrette. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any time you need a simple and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pasta salad.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
- Pasta Shape: Choose a pasta shape that holds dressing well, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. These shapes have ridges and crevices that catch the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Fresh Vegetables: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor and crunch. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or even some blanched broccoli.
- Chill Time: If time allows, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier dish.
- Protein Addition: For a more substantial salad, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Variations to Try
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Italian Pasta Salad: Include pepperoni slices, mozzarella balls, and a handful of fresh basil leaves.
- Southwest Pasta Salad: Mix in black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing for a Southwestern flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
This Quick and Delicious Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the crispness of the fresh vegetables, the tangy bite of the feta cheese, and the robust flavor of the homemade vinaigrette. It’s easy to customize, making it adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your next barbecue, or a potluck contribution, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and simple preparation of this delightful dish.
Stay tuned for more quick and delicious recipes, and thank you for your continued support!