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Pasta Salad Recipe

Zesty Pasta Salad Recipe That Brightens Any Meal

Enjoy this vibrant Pasta Salad Recipe, perfect for summer barbecues and family picnics, featuring fresh veggies, creamy feta, and zesty Italian dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Feel free to swap with any medium pasta shape.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium English Cucumber Substitute with zucchini if desired.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Halve them for easy eating.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any color works, but red is sweeter.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Use green onions for a milder alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing Homemade dressing can elevate flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 cup Black Olives Omit if olives aren't desired.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Substitute with basil for a different twist.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Replace with Parmesan or omit for dairy-free.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-wise Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until completely cool.
  2. While the pasta cools, wash and chop the English cucumber, halving the grape tomatoes for easier biting. Dice the bell pepper and finely slice the red onion, creating a vibrant mix of colors and textures.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Drizzle in the Italian dressing generously and mix well, allowing the flavorful tang to coat the pasta and veggies thoroughly.
  4. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture, adjusting to your taste. Gently fold in the creamy feta cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients like chickpeas or salami. Ensure to store incompatible ingredients separately before serving to maintain their freshness.

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