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A vibrant cold pasta salad prepared with diverse vegetables and a light dressing.

Best way to grow a 25% better Pasta SaladPasta Salad

This recipe focuses on enhancing your pasta salad by incorporating fresh, flavorful ingredients and smart preparation techniques. Expect a vibrant dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 16 ounces Rotini pasta
  • 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large Cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Bell peppers mixed, diced
  • 0.5 cup Black olives sliced
  • 0.75 cup Feta cheese crumbled
For the Dressing
  • 0.05 cup Olive oil
  • 0.25 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving
  1. Before serving, give the pasta salad another quick toss and adjust seasonings if necessary, such as adding more salt or pepper to taste.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the salad. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preferences, adding corn, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. To make it a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day!