Cold Pasta Salad

Cold Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Tasty Dish for Any Occasion

Cold pasta salad is a versatile and delightful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quick lunch at home. Loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is not only colorful but also bursting with flavors. The combination of textures from the crunchy veggies and creamy feta makes every bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s quick to make and can even be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 240
• Protein: 6 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams per serving
• Fat: 12 grams per serving
• Fiber: 3 grams per serving
• Sugar: 2 grams per serving
• Sodium: 300 mg per serving

Why Make This Cold Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad is perfect for a hot summer day when you crave something refreshing. It’s not only easy to make but also allows you to showcase seasonal produce. The olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing provides a light and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers or whatever veggies you have on hand. With its vibrant colors and lively flavors, this dish is bound to please everyone at your table!

How to Make Cold Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup black 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

Directions:

• Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

  Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.

• Step 2: Mixing the Vegetables

  In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

• Step 3: Making the Dressing

  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will enhance the flavor of the salad.

• Step 4: Combining Everything

  Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine everything well. Ensure the pasta and veggies are coated with the dressing.

• Step 5: Chilling

  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad even more refreshing.

How to Serve Cold Pasta Salad

Serve this cold pasta salad on a large platter or individual bowls. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Garnish with extra feta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

How to Store Cold Pasta Salad

Store any leftover cold pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. However, if the salad contains ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers, expect them to soften over time. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a little extra dressing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cold Pasta Salad

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
• Feel free to switch in your favorite veggies; things like spinach, carrots, or even artichoke hearts can work wonderfully.
• Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste – adding more vinegar for tanginess or olive oil for richness.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Delicious Variations

• Mediterranean Delight: Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and a handful of fresh basil.
• Italian Twist: Toss in salami, pepperoncini, and drizzle with pesto instead of olive oil dressing.
• Mexican Flair: Mix black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
  Yes, preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and serve it chilled.

• What pasta works best for this recipe?
  Rotini or bowtie pasta is ideal, but feel free to use any shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

• Can I use different cheese?
  Absolutely! While feta adds a tangy flavor, you can use mozzarella, goat cheese, or even cheddar based on your preference.

• Is this dish vegan-friendly?
  It can be adapted to a vegan recipe by omitting the feta cheese and using a vegan dressing.

• What are good mix-ins for added protein?
  Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.

Conclusion

This cold pasta salad is not only easy to prepare but also a delicious way to enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients. With its dynamic flavors and colorful appearance, it’s a dish you’ll want to bring to every gathering. Enjoy the burst of freshness, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your tastes. Grab your ingredients and dive into this tasty recipe today!

Cold Pasta Salad

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A versatile and delightful cold pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for potlucks or quick lunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup black 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

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Stir gently to mix.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Adjust dressing to taste and consider adding extra ingredients like grilled chicken for more protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixed
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg