This Easy Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply as a tasty side to enhance your meals. With a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, this salad checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for endless variations, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Easy Pasta Salad
There’s a lot to love about this Easy Pasta Salad. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it ideal for anyone, regardless of cooking skill level. You can prepare it in just 15 minutes, and it’s perfect for meal prep. The combination of crunchy vegetables with tender pasta creates a delightful texture, complemented by the salty feta cheese and savory dressing. Plus, it’s refreshing and satisfying, ideal for warm weather or as a colorful side to grilled meats.
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad
Making this Easy Pasta Salad is a breeze! The recipe requires basic cooking techniques—just cook, mix, and chill. With an array of vibrant ingredients, not only does it taste fantastic, but it also looks great on your dining table. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this salad will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini, penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (e.g., red wine or balsamic)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 30%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 8%
How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad
Easy Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it as a light main course or pack it for lunches. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
How to Store Easy Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you plan to have leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for al dente pasta since it will absorb some dressing and maintain its texture.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Rinsing the pasta helps stop the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour enhances the flavors.
- Use Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or arugula.
Delicious Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can elevate the freshness of the salad.
- Dressings: Try using a lemon vinaigrette for a citrusy twist, or add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for some tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just remember that if you add ingredients like avocados or delicate greens, they might brown or wilt after a day, so add those fresh right before serving.
2. What types of pasta work best?
You can use any pasta shape you like—bowties, fusilli, or rotini all work well. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold the dressing and veggies well.
3. Is it gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, which is widely available at most grocery stores.
Conclusion
This Easy Pasta Salad is a delicious, colorful, and nutritious option for any meal. With its straightforward preparation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a festive party dish, this salad is here to impress. So, gather your ingredients, toss them together, and enjoy a refreshing bowl of goodness! We’d love to hear how it turns out for you—share your experiences in the comments!
Easy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.