Time Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Introduction
Experience the burst of summer flavors with the delightful and savory Pasta Salad! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick and wholesome meal. Relish the blend of tastes and the pleasing crunch with each mouthful.
Why Make this Recipe
Pasta Salad is an ideal dish for everyone who values both health and taste. It’s an incredible one-dish meal. Fresh veggies, pasta, and tangy dressing mingle together for a pleasant summer dish you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Make Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For The Dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cook pasta as per the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse it under cold water.
2. In a larger bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, and basil.
3. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix it well.
5. Refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes before serving for better taste.
How to Serve Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad is versatile. It can be served as a meal in itself, paired with garlic bread or as a delightful side dish to your barbecue or grilled meats.
How to Store Pasta Salad
Keep it in an airtight container and it will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. However, remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Tips to Make Pasta salad
– Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and to remove the excess starch.
– Use fresh ingredients for the salad for the best taste.
– Adjust the quantity of dressing to your liking.
– Refrigeration enhances the flavor. So, prepare the salad a few hours in advance for the best taste.
Variation (if any)
You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to your pasta salad for a protein boost. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach or sweet corn also make delicious additions.
FAQs
1. Can I use any other pasta for this salad?
– Yes, any medium-sized pasta will work well for this recipe.
2. What other cheese can I use instead of feta?
– You can use cubed mozzarella or chunks of cheddar if you prefer.
3. Can this salad be made vegan?
– Yes, replace the feta cheese with a vegan alternative and ensure your pasta is vegan too.