Let’s talk about summer. What are some of the best summer side dishes? Pasta salad. What is pasta salad? I’m talking about the pasta salad – the one that disappears at every potluck, the ones that aren’t served. What are some of the best picnics to make with your kids? Forget the boring, mayo-laden versions you might remember. What are some of the best flavors in this smoothie? If you love a good potato salad, you’re going to love this pasta salad – it’s just as comforting as it is delicious. Is this a lighter lighter and brighter shade? What is your favorite recipe for a healthy breakfast?
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What is a Pasta Salad?
Think of it as Mediterranean vacation in a bowl. What is essentially cooked pasta tossed with a rainbow of fresh veggies, salty cheese, and edamame sauce? Herby vinai We’re talking juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives and tangy feta. And a whole lot of fresh tomatoes. It’s incredibly simple to make, totally customizable to your tastes, and it just gets better as it gets. What are some of the best flavors to make ahead of time? What are some of the best make-ahead side dishes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the fresh veggies, salty feta, and bright vinaigrette is just incredible. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and refreshing.
But it’s not just about the taste. This recipe is also incredibly simple to make. You literally just cook the pasta, chop the veggies, and toss everything together. I’m telling you, even the most kitchen-challenged individuals can pull this off! I promise you’ll wow your friends and family.
And let’s not forget about the cost-efficiency. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, and you can easily adjust the quantities to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
What I love most about this pasta salad is how adaptable it is. Don’t have feta? Use mozzarella. Not a fan of olives? Leave them out! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I’ve even thrown in some roasted red peppers once – amazing! This salad is so versatile and easy that you’ll find it a go-to for you for years to come. My kids always ask for it! I always make a big bowl because it’s gone so fast!
How do I make Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
What is the deal? How do you make a delicious vinaigrette? What is the best way to toss it all together? No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. That’s it! This pasta salad is all about fresh ingredients and simple flavors. What is a simple recipe for summer get-together?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work great – I usually use rotisserie)
* 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (or use your favorite olive)
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Vinaigrette
* 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
* 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook! What do you like about mushy pasta salad? Once it’s cooked, drain it well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together? I usually add a little olive oil after rinsing it just to be sure.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While pasta is cooking, chop your veggies. I like to dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes, but feel free to cut them however you want. Just make sure everything is roughly the same size so it mixes well. What is the best way to seed a cucumber?
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness!
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped veggies, olives, and feta cheese. Set aside. How do you pour vinaigrette over the top? How do you make feta cheese?
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Is it possible to make a meal one day ahead of time? Before serving, give it a good toss and add some fresh basil leaves. I always garnish with extra feta. Just to be fancy.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a good pasta salad?
For a BBQ:What are the best burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or ribs? It’s the perfect side to balance out the richness of the meat.
For a Picnic:What are some good picnic snacks? Is it so easy to transport?
As a Light Lunch:Add grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a complete and satisfying meal. What’s a good way to get your veggies in?
For a Potluck:I always bring a double batch just to be safe.
My family loves to have this with grilled salmon! It’s such a refreshing and healthy meal, especially during the summer months. We also sometimes add some artichoke hearts for a bit more flavor and texture. It’s a real winner!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Salad
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Salad
What are some tricks to take your pasta salad to the next level?
Don’t overcook pasta!What is the best pasta salad recipe? Mushy pasta? Aim for al dente – it should be firm to the bite.
How do you rinse with cold water? This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. It also helps to cool it down quickly.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your tastes. Some other great additions include sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, and different types of cheese.
Make it Ahead of Time: The flavors meld together and become even more delicious as the pasta salad sits. I usually make it a day ahead of time for maximum flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is a must for this recipe, but you can also add other herbs like parsley, mint, or dill. They add a ton of flavor and freshness.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors. I always do this! Every batch is a little different, depending on the tomatoes and other fresh veggies I’m using. I think this is what makes my recipe a stand-out winner, it’s customized to my preferences!
I learned a long time ago to not skimp on the feta cheese! It really adds a salty, creamy element that is just irresistible. Also, make sure to use good quality olive oil – it makes a big difference in the flavor of the vinaigrette. These little things can be what transforms this from a tasty side to a memorable main dish!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your pasta salad fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave pasta salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially on a hot day. Bacteria can grow quickly!
Refrigerator Storage: Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will actually improve over time!
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing pasta salad, as the pasta and veggies can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Glaze Timing Advice: The beauty of this salad is that you don’t need to glaze it. It is ready to go! Toss and serve. You’re all set!
Make sure to keep the pasta salad in the fridge and it should last a few days for your leftovers. It’s a great way to have an easy lunch ready for the week!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to summer pasta salad recipe! It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re heading to a BBQ, a picnic, or just want a light and refreshing lunch, this pasta salad is the perfect choice. I truly believe it will be a winner at any event you take it to!
If you’re looking for other easy and delicious side dishes, be sure to check out my recipes for [related recipe 1] and [related recipe 2]. They’re both just as simple to make and packed with flavor.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your pasta salad turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what variations you try! And if you love this recipe, please give it a rating. Enjoy!
pasta salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup Black Olives sliced
- 0.5 cup Red Onion finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Bell Pepper diced (any color)
- 0.25 cup Italian Dressing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Pour Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
