Description
Quick & Easy Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful dish loaded with crisp vegetables and tossed in a simple homemade dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a quick lunch, combining classic Mediterranean flavors with a light and tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water if desired to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta followed by the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving if made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
