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Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad

A refreshing and versatile pasta salad loaded with colorful vegetables and a simple dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 2 cups Rotini or penne pasta Base of the salad, holds dressing well.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved for sweetness.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced for crunch.
  • 1 cup Bell pepper Chopped for color and crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Finely chopped for sharpness.
  • 1/2 cup Black olives Sliced for briny flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumble for creaminess.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Base for the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar Adds acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano For flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to combine.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Pasta salad is highly customizable; feel free to add proteins or other vegetables as desired.