The best Pasta Salad
Bursting with flavor and filled with fresh and colorful ingredients, this pasta salad is both delicious and visually appealing.
Servings 4 People
Calories 407kcal
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 oz (About 225g) rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- ½ Red bell pepper, diced
- ½ Yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup Red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Black olives, sliced
- ½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with additional feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish. Feel free to customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Serving and Storing Pasta Salad
To make the most of your delicious pasta salad, here are some tips for serving and storing:- Chill Before Serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled. After preparing your pasta salad, refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to firm up the pasta and allows the dressing to fully coat the ingredients.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, garnish your pasta salad with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or additional toppings. This adds an extra visual appeal and freshness to your dish.
- Serve in Individual Portions: If you're serving a large crowd, consider serving your pasta salad in individual portions. This makes it easier for guests to serve themselves and ensures that everyone gets a fair share of all the delicious ingredients.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store your pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving the leftovers, give it a good stir and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Avoid Freezing: Pasta salad doesn't freeze well due to the delicate nature of the ingredients. The texture of the vegetables and pasta can become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition
Serving: 202g | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 708mg