Pasta salad is the perfect dish that combines comfort, versatility, and freshness whether it’s a backyard BBQ or an intimate dinner party. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion and with so many flavors, anyone will be impressed. Pasta Salad is an easy and quick recipe that you can customize to your taste whether you want to add proteins, veggies, or any dressing. Overall, it’s a refreshing and satisfying meal.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making a pasta salad: pasta, veggies, dressing, and extras because each ingredient complements the other, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
Instructions:
- Lets Begin by cooking the pasta, Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Chop the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion. If you’re using black olives, slice them as well.
- Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a bit more honey a sweeter dressing as per your preference.
- Combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese (if using)in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Final step is to refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley . Enjoy!
Tips:
- To make this pasta salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a boost of protein.
- You can swap out or add vegetables based on what you have on hand. Roasted red peppers, baby spinach, or even artichoke hearts make great additions.
- If you don’t like tangy red wine vinegar, you can swap it out for balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a lighter flavor.
- You can Skip the feta cheese or replace it with vegan cheese or avocado for a creamy texture.
The advantage of pasta salad is that you can make it in advance and it is a perfect dish when you have to serve to a large gathering. Its combination—hearty pasta and fresh, crunchy vegetables—makes a satisfying and refreshing dish. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a light meal, this pasta salad recipe is a good option for lunch or dinner.
Enjoy this crispy oven-baked tofu recipe for a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. For more easy and delicious recipes, check out Healthy Recipes Zone!