This Pasta Salad is colorful and refreshing! It’s made with your favorite pasta, crunchy veggies, and a light dressing. Perfect for a picnic or as a side dish!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything together in a bowl. You’ll have a tasty treat that everyone will ask for seconds of—who can resist that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle, also known as bow-tie pasta, adds a fun shape to the salad. However, you can use any pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor. If they’re not in season, feel free to substitute with grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Cucumber: For crunch, I recommend using English cucumber which has fewer seeds. You can also use bell peppers for a different flavor and color.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings creaminess and tang. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or leave it out for a lighter option.
Kalamata Olives: These give the salad a salty punch. If you don’t like olives, try capers or sun-dried tomatoes as a substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Perfectly Chilled?
Letting your pasta salad chill is key to enhancing its flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing in the dressing, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this helps all the ingredients blend beautifully.
- Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
- If it feels dry after chilling, add a splash of olive oil or a little more vinegar for moisture.
How to Make a Delicious Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Cheese and Olives:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, a total of about 45 minutes is what you’re looking at!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will cool it down quickly!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and chopped basil. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon to combine all the ingredients nicely.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure all the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle! Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can also drizzle a little more olive oil or vinegar to enhance the flavor.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a little toss again, then garnish it with extra basil leaves on top. Now you’re ready to enjoy a fresh and tasty pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add extra vegetables or chickpeas for protein to keep it filling and nutritious!
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may separate while stored. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to rehydrate it.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is very customizable. Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Just remember to adjust the dressing as needed to balance the additional flavors!
