Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch. With fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing, this easy pasta salad recipe is both colorful and delicious. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables and make a dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Tips
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or spinach. You can also add protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it a complete meal.
FAQs
- Can I make pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, pasta salad is great when made a few hours in advance. It allows the flavors to blend well.
- How do I store pasta salad? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- What other types of pasta can I use? Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or penne works well for pasta salad.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, mozzarella or goat cheese are also great options for pasta salad.
Conclusion
This easy pasta salad recipe is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite veggies and enjoy this light, zesty dish that’s great for a picnic, BBQ, or even as a weekday lunch!
