Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: Colorful, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Hey there, food lovers! I’ve got an amazing and easy recipe for you today – a pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic basket, or just looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (I recommend using tri-colored rotini or penne)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give it a final toss before serving, and enjoy!
Additional Tips
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite veggies, such as sliced zucchini, grape tomatoes, or even some grilled chicken for extra protein.
- If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
- For an extra zesty kick, you can add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice or red wine vinegar to the dressing.
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making this a great meal-prep option.
Nutritional Value
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! It’s a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the fresh veggies and herbs. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the feta cheese adds a dose of protein and calcium.
