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Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

This Easy Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful combination of rotini pasta, fresh veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and creamy feta cheese. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or backyard BBQs!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

  • 16 ounces rotini or any medium pasta shape
  • ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese or to taste
  • 1 medium English cucumber, chopped
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small bell pepper, any color, chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion or sliced green onions
  • 1 cup Italian dressing or homemade dressing (see notes)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, boil pasta in salted water until al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    2. Meanwhile, chop the cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onions.

  2. In a large bowl, combine your cooked and cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, Italian dressing, and fresh parsley. Toss well to coat.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently stir in feta cheese.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the pasta to soak in the dressing.

Notes

  • Any medium pasta can be used. Be sure to cook al dente (firm) as the dressing will soften the pasta further. Rinse under cold water once cooked to stop it from cooking.
  • Dress the salad generously as the pasta will soak up the dressing.
  • You can use any vegetables in this recipe (including leftover cooked/roasted vegetables). Additional favorites include zucchini, peas, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Optional but delicious additions include ham, bacon, salami, sundried tomatoes, pesto, artichokes, or finely diced broccoli.
  • Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To make a quick homemade pasta salad dressing, whisk together: ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano and basil, 1 teaspoon each honey and Dijon mustard. While whisking, very slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until incorporated. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Salad, Italian Dressing, Easy Recipe

Find it online: https://mbeams.com/easy-pasta-salad-recipe/