Simple and Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick and vibrant dish that can be served as a side or a light meal? This pasta salad is your answer! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a refreshing meal at home. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this pasta salad will brighten up any table.

Imagine biting into perfectly cooked pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and a delightful dressing that brings all the flavors together. This recipe is versatile too; you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Vibrant Ingredients for a Refreshing Experience

This pasta salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Bright cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch.

Shiny black olives introduce a savory touch, making each bite a delightful blend of flavors.

The colorful medley of ingredients not only makes the dish appetizing but also enhances its nutritional profile, offering a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The Perfect Pasta Choice

Choosing the right pasta is essential for this salad.

Rotini or penne are great options, as their shapes hold the dressing and complement the other ingredients beautifully.

Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it remains firm, providing a satisfying bite.

After cooking, rinsing the pasta in cold water stops the cooking process and keeps it from becoming mushy.

A Light and Tangy Dressing

Whisking the dressing together is quick and easy, making it a simple step that greatly elevates the overall taste.

Building the Salad

Don’t forget to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more harmonious dish.

The Ultimate Easy Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad features al dente pasta combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, black olives, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing dish that balances flavors and textures beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

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Simple and Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This easy pasta salad features al dente pasta combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, black olives, and a light vinaigrette. It's a refreshing dish that balances flavors and textures beautifully.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 4
Amount Per ServingCalories 250000Total Fat 12gCarbohydrates 30gProtein 6g

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