Pasta Salad Perfection: The Easiest Summer Recipe

Pasta salad, the quintessential side dish that brings sunshine to any table! It’s more than just a mixture of pasta and veggies; it’s a blank canvas for creativity, a comforting classic, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This version is inspired by my summers spent with family, enjoying potlucks and barbecues filled with laughter and, of course, plenty of delicious food.

This pasta salad recipe is my updated take on a cherished family favorite, designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Get ready to experience a pasta salad that will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You Will Love This pasta salad Recipe

This pasta salad is a winner because it ticks all the boxes: it’s comforting, quick to whip up, bursting with fresh flavors, and incredibly easy to customize. Think of it as a flavor adventure in a bowl! I wanted to create a pasta salad that’s not just a side dish, but a highlight of the meal.

What makes this pasta salad special? It’s the combination of perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy vegetables, savory cheeses, and a tangy homemade dressing. Every bite is a flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences. It’s a great addition to any summer meal.

And if you’re looking for more delicious salad ideas, you might enjoy this Dense Bean Salad Recipe!

Ingredients Needed for This pasta salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant pasta salad:

• For the Pasta Salad:

* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well) * 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved * 1 cucumber, diced * 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced * 1 cup black olives, sliced * 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled * 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• For the Dressing:

* 1/2 cup olive oil * 1/4 cup red wine vinegar * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard * 1 clove garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon dried oregano * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make This pasta salad Recipe

Making this pasta salad is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Here’s how to do it:

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is key to preventing mushy pasta!
2. 2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare all the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives. Chop the fresh parsley.
3. 3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. 4. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat.
5. 5. Chill: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for enhancing the taste!

If you are in the mood for something else, this Heart Shaped Caprese Salad is a winner!

How to Serve This pasta salad Recipe

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a refreshing side at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It’s also a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or burgers.

For a complete meal, add some grilled shrimp or chickpeas to the pasta salad. You can also top it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor. To elevate the presentation, serve it in a pretty bowl garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

How to Store This pasta salad Recipe

Proper storage will ensure your pasta salad stays fresh and delicious for days. Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It will keep well for up to 3 to 5 days. If you’re planning to store it for longer, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta and vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing.

Tips to Make This pasta salad Recipe

Want to take your pasta salad to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks:

• Use high quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Invest in good olive oil and fresh vegetables.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a more pleasant texture.
• Taste and adjust the dressing: Adjust the amount of lemon juice, vinegar, or salt to suit your taste.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas add substance and make it a satisfying meal.
• Let it chill: Allowing the flavors to meld in the fridge is crucial for the best taste.

Helpful Notes for This pasta salad Recipe

A few more details to keep in mind for pasta salad perfection:

• Pasta type: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini, penne, and farfalle are all great choices. Gluten free pasta works great as well.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds the most flavor to the dressing, but regular olive oil works too.
• Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to add other vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun dried tomatoes.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using mozzarella balls or provolone.

Variation of This pasta salad Recipe

Here are a few creative twists to keep things interesting:

• Mediterranean pasta salad: Add Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts.
• Italian pasta salad: Add salami, provolone cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
• Creamy pasta salad: Replace the olive oil based dressing with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs.
• Mexican pasta salad: Add black beans, corn, avocado, and a spicy lime dressing.