Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this pasta salad recipe—it’s such a gem! It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for just about any occasion. Whether I’m hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or just wanting a quick lunch, this salad never disappoints. The combination of cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese creates this delightful medley that feels like summer in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone kept asking for the recipe! It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to keep it in rotation all season long. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta salad recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Let’s gather our goodies!
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (I love using rotini for its little twists and turns!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add such a burst of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (crunchy and refreshing—so good!)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (for that zesty kick)
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced (black or green, whatever you prefer!)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (this adds creaminess and a tangy flavor)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best taste)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (it brightens everything up!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that Mediterranean flair)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
And that’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how easy this is to pull together!
How to Prepare the Pasta Salad Recipe
Ready to dive into making this pasta salad? It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love the process! Let’s get started!
- First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in your 2 cups uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. We want that lovely pasta to be cool and ready to mingle!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup sliced olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
- Next, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is where all the flavor comes from!
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss it all together until every piece is coated in that yummy goodness.
- Now, here’s the important part: cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together—seriously, it’s worth the wait!
And there you have it! A refreshing pasta salad that’s ready to impress your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Fresh ingredients give it a light and vibrant taste that screams summer.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins—get creative!
- Healthier than many pasta dishes, packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Great as a side dish or a main course, making it perfect for any meal.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about making this pasta salad recipe truly shine! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. Taste as you go! If you love a bit more zing, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch more salt. You can also experiment with different herbs—fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor even more!
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted veggies can bring an exciting twist. Honestly, the more colorful, the better! And here’s a little secret: if you prepare this salad a day in advance, it gets even better as the flavors meld together overnight in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving, and you’re golden!
Variations of the Pasta Salad Recipe
If you want to mix things up with your pasta salad, the possibilities are endless! Try swapping out the cucumber for some roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor, or add in some spinach for that lovely pop of green. You could even throw in some artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist!
For a different dressing, mix it up with a lemon tahini dressing or a creamy avocado dressing—both are delightful! If you want to boost the protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed in this pasta salad recipe! Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For a serving size of 1 cup, you’re looking at approximately 300 calories, which is pretty reasonable for a hearty salad!
This salad contains about 15g of fat, including healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese, and 8g of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, it has around 35g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, making it a filling option without feeling too heavy. So, dig in and enjoy this deliciously balanced dish!
FAQ about Pasta Salad Recipe
Got questions about this pasta salad recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries I often hear:
How do I store leftover pasta salad?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well, and it will still taste delicious.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar for a different flavor twist.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can amp up the protein content and make it more filling.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It’s a perfect meal prep option. Just make it in advance and let those flavors develop in the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad recipe is super versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! For a light lunch, serve it alongside some grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. If you’re hosting a gathering, it makes a fantastic side dish next to juicy burgers or hot dogs. Don’t forget about drinks! A chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the flavors perfectly. You could even whip up a simple garlic bread or a Mediterranean-inspired hummus platter to round out the spread. Trust me, these pairings will take your meal to the next level!
Imprimer
Pasta Salad Recipe: 5 Flavorful Twists to Impress Friends
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and refreshing pasta salad recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: pasta salad recipe
