Pasta Salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that combines the bite of rotini pasta with a mix of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
Pasta Salad
Why This Pasta Salad Is the Best
- Vibrant and Colorful: The salad is packed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn, green beans, red onions, and green bell pepper.
- Creamy Cheese: Chunks of feta cheese add a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Flavorful Dressing: The dressing, made with olive oil and seasoning, ties the ingredients together with a tangy and savory flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality pasta make this a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or looking for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option, Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Rotini Pasta: The corkscrew shape of rotini holds the dressing well, making each bite flavorful and adding a satisfying chew.
English Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and a mild, cooling flavor, balancing the zestiness of the dressing.
Red and Orange Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers add a sweet, crisp bite, brightening up both the look and taste of the salad.
Grape Tomatoes: Bring a juicy burst of acidity that complements the pasta and balances the richness of the cheese.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor, giving the salad a bit of a kick.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note, enhancing the overall brightness of the salad.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element, balancing the zest of the Italian dressing and adding richness.
Zesty Italian Dressing: Coats all ingredients with a tangy, herb-infused flavor, pulling everything together effortlessly.
Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors of the vegetables and adds a subtle layer of warmth from the pepper.
Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and cheese.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Generous Dressing: Toss the salad with plenty of dressing to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve Pasta Salad with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
- With Grilled Chicken: Pair it with grilled chicken for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Glass of Iced Tea: Enjoy a glass of iced tea to complement the light and refreshing flavors of the salad.
- With a Sprinkle of Feta: Add extra crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Pasta Salad. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious salad recipes!
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 1 english cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper
- 10 oz. grape tomatoes
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 16 oz. bottled zesty Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta following the package instructions. Drain in a colander, then rinse briefly with cool water to cool it down. Let it drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta is cooking, prep the veggies. Cut the cucumber into half-moons, chop the bell peppers, halve the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Set the veggies and parsley aside.
- After the pasta has drained, place it in a large bowl. Add in the chopped vegetables, parsley, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad, then toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste—I used about ¼ teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper. Serve right away, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
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Pasta Salad