Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be served as a side or a main course. Packed with vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side, this pasta salad is sure to please!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
• Whisk: For mixing the dressing.

Ingredient Overview

• Pasta: Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works well.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add color and crunch.
• Olives: Black or green olives for added flavor.
• Cheese: Feta or mozzarella can enhance the salad’s creaminess.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for a burst of freshness.
• Dressing: Olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and spices create a flavorful dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Chop the Vegetables
   While the pasta is cooking, chop 1 bell pepper, 1 cucumber, and 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion.
3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, 1/2 cup of sliced olives, and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Add in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs.
5. Dress the Salad
   Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Chill and Serve
   Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Customize It: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Make It Ahead: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Play with Flavors: Experiment with different dressings or add-ins like roasted vegetables, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a buffet spread. It’s also delicious on its own for a light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta?
A: Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for added fiber and nutrients.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A: You can use dried herbs; just remember that they are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pasta Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup olives (black or green), sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs:
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, parsley, or oregano, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Chop the vegetables and set aside.
3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
4. Combine pasta, vegetables, olives, and feta in a mixing bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Summary

Pasta Salad is a delicious and adaptable dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. With its colorful ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to make this pasta salad your own!

Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad is a delicious and adaptable dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. With its colorful ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion!

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Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
• Whisk: For mixing the dressing.

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces pasta rotini, penne, or farfalle
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup olives black or green, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
• Dressing:
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs:
• 1/4 cup fresh basil parsley, or oregano, chopped

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
• Chop the vegetables and set aside.
• Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
• Combine pasta, vegetables, olives, and feta in a mixing bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to make this pasta salad your own!