Pasta salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a simple weeknight dinner. What makes pasta salad so special is its adaptability; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients and dressings to suit any taste. This easy and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing, making it a vibrant and satisfying meal or side dish. Let’s explore how to create this delightful dish and learn more about the ingredients that make it so delicious.
Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces of pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
How to Make Easy and Delicious Pasta Salad
Preparation:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.
- Slice the black olives and chop the fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil until well combined.
Assembling the Salad:
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with a bit more fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Pasta:
Pasta serves as the foundation of this salad, providing a hearty base that holds up well to the other ingredients and the dressing. Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent choices because their shapes trap the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Cooking the pasta to an al dente texture is crucial as it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.
Cherry Tomatoes:
Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad. Their small size and vibrant color make them a perfect addition, and their natural acidity helps balance the flavors. Cherry tomatoes are also rich in vitamins A and C, adding nutritional value to the dish.
Cucumber:
Cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch to the salad. Their mild flavor and high water content provide a cooling contrast to the tangy dressing. Cucumbers are also low in calories and high in hydration, making them a healthy choice.
Bell Peppers:
Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness, color, and crunch to the salad. They are rich in vitamins A and C and provide a nice contrast in texture. Bell peppers are also packed with antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.
Red Onion:
Red onions offer a sharp, pungent flavor that adds depth to the salad. Their vibrant color also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. When finely chopped, they distribute evenly throughout the salad, ensuring that every bite has a bit of their distinctive taste.
Black Olives:
Black olives contribute a savory, slightly salty flavor that complements the other ingredients. They add a rich, umami element to the salad and provide a nice textural contrast. Olives are also a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants.
Feta Cheese:
Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad. Its crumbly texture allows it to mix well with the other ingredients, distributing its flavor throughout the dish. Feta is also a good source of calcium and protein, making the salad more nutritious.
Fresh Parsley:
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herby flavor to the salad. It also adds a touch of freshness that brightens up the overall taste. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a good amount of antioxidants.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is the base of the dressing, providing a rich, smooth texture that coats the pasta and vegetables. It also adds a subtle, fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients. Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red Wine Vinegar:
Red wine vinegar adds acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the olive oil and the sweetness of the honey. Its tangy flavor helps to brighten the overall taste of the salad. Vinegar also has antimicrobial properties and can aid in digestion.
Dijon Mustard:
Dijon mustard gives the dressing a bit of a kick and helps emulsify the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth, cohesive dressing. It adds a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor. Mustard also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Honey:
Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and the spiciness of the mustard. It helps to create a well-rounded flavor profile. Honey also has antibacterial properties and can soothe sore throats.
Garlic:
Garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the dressing. It enhances the overall taste of the salad and pairs well with the other ingredients. Garlic is also known for its health benefits, including its antibacterial and antiviral properties, and its ability to boost the immune system.
Dried Oregano and Basil:
These dried herbs add a Mediterranean flair to the dressing, contributing subtle, earthy flavors that complement the fresh vegetables. They enhance the complexity of the dressing and bring out the best in the other ingredients. Both oregano and basil are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
This easy and delicious pasta salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a flavorful homemade dressing makes it a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just a quick family meal, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of making this delightful dish!
