Summer Pasta Salad
Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for hot days. It’s a delightful mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. This salad is not only tasty but also very easy to make, making it a great choice for lunches, picnics, or family gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Summer Pasta Salad because it is quick to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients. It’s ideal for warm weather when you want something light yet satisfying. Plus, this salad is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, and it’s a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to chill.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a luscious dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl, tossing it well to ensure it’s evenly coated with the dressing.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and fresh basil. This colorful mix will have everyone reaching for seconds!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed, to bring out all those fresh flavors.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Summer Pasta Salad
Serve your Summer Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s great on its own or as a side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
How to Store Summer Pasta Salad
Store any leftover Summer Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Just give it a little stir before serving again to rehydrate any ingredients that may have settled.
Tips to Make Summer Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.
- Feel free to add any other veggies you like, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to customize your salad.
- For more flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by using different types of pasta, cheese (like mozzarella or goat cheese), or adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it heartier.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat rotini or any pasta of your choice!
Is Summer Pasta Salad suitable for vegan diets?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Can I make this salad without olives?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of olives, you can leave them out or replace them with another ingredient, like avocado or more veggies.
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